About Coach Michellie Jones
Greatest Ever
Michellie Jones is, without a doubt, one of the greatest triathletes of all time—an athlete whose career has defined excellence, longevity, and versatility across every level of the sport. A two-time ITU World Champion (1992, 1993), she dominated short-course racing in the '90s before claiming silver at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, making history as Australia's first Olympic triathlon medalist. Not content with just one arena, she transitioned to long-course racing, finishing second at the Ironman World Championship in 2005 before capturing the coveted Ironman World Champion title in 2006, becoming the oldest first-time winner at the time.
Michellie’s ability to excel in any format of racing is unmatched—she has won in Xterra off-road triathlon, dominated numerous Ironman and 70.3 races, and even guided Katie Kelly to a gold medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympics in the visually impaired category, proving her leadership and selflessness in the sport.
And she’s far from done. In 2024, she once again proved her greatness by becoming the Ironman 70.3 World Champion in the 55-59 age group, showing that champions never stop pushing their limits.
Accomplishments
Sport Australia Hall of Fame
ITU Hall of Fame
Triathlon Australia Hall of Fame
Ironman World Champion
Olympic Silver Medalist
Gold Medalist Paralympics - Guide
Order of Australia Medal -AM
2 x ITU World Champion
7x Ironman 70.3 Champion
3x Ironman Champion
2 x ITU World Champ
ITU World Cup Series Champion
8 x ITU World Championship Medalist
12 ITU World cup Victories (Now Know as World Series Events)
8x Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon Champion
7x Chicago Triathlon Champion
7x St Anthony's Triathlon Champion
13x San Diego International Triathlon Champion
2 x ITU World Age Group Sprint Triathlon 45-49
1st ITU World Age Group Sprint Triathlon 50-54
1st Ironman 70.3 World Champion 55-59
2x Para Triathlon World Champion-Guide
Xterra World Champion
BMW Danskin Women's Series Champion
2025 Ironman 70.3 World Champion
7x Triathlete Magazine Triathlete of the Year
Beginnings
Michellie Jones, who carved her name in the annals of triathlon history, and whose journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
From an early age, Michellie displayed an innate athleticism that would one day lead her to greatness. Growing up in Thirlmere, a small town in New South Wales, she was surrounded by nature's beauty and the vast expanse of the Australian outdoors. It was here that her love for adventure and the thrill of pushing her physical limits took root.
Thirlmere, known for its picturesque lakes and serene landscapes, may seem an unlikely place to produce a world-class triathlete. However, it was the very tranquility of her surroundings that nurtured Michellie's resilience and determination. It was a childhood marked by riding ponies at dawn, swimming in crystal-clear lakes, and a love for horses that set the stage for her future in endurance sports.
But it wasn't until Michellie discovered the sport of triathlon that her true calling emerged. Triathlon, a grueling discipline that combines swimming, cycling, and running, captured her heart and soul. From the very first race, she felt an undeniable connection to the sport—a connection that would shape the course of her life.
Michellie's journey to greatness was not without its share of challenges. As a young athlete, she faced financial constraints and the daunting task of proving herself in a male-dominated sporting culture.. Her family's support was unwavering, but it was Michellie's unyielding spirit that propelled her forward. She embraced the mantra of "can't talk right now, doing fast girl stuff," a phrase that encapsulated her determination to chase her dreams relentlessly.
Her tenacity paid off when, in 1992, Michellie Jones won her first triathlon world championship in Muskoka, Canada. This victory marked the beginning of an illustrious career that would see her competing at the highest levels of the sport for over two decades. She was a force to be reckoned with, conquering distances that would daunt even the bravest souls.
But Michellie's crowning achievement would come at the pinnacle of triathlon—the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. In 2006, she etched her name in history as she crossed the finish line, securing her status as a Kona Ironman World Champion. It was a moment of sheer triumph, the culmination of years of unwavering commitment and the realization of a dream she had dared to chase.
Beyond the accolades and titles, Michellie Jones's story is one of resilience, passion, and the unrelenting pursuit of excellence. Her journey was not without its setbacks—heart-wrenching losses, injuries that tested her resolve, and moments when the world seemed to conspire against her. But each obstacle became a stepping stone on her path to greatness.
Michelli'e autobiography would dive deep into the life of a woman who redefined the boundaries of what was possible. It would explore the inner workings of an athlete's mind, the sacrifices made, the friendships forged, and the enduring love for the sport that fueled her fire.
"Endless Pursuit: The Michellie Jones Story" is a testament to the human spirit's boundless capacity for growth and transformation. It is a tribute to a trailblazer, a role model, and a true champion. Michellie Jones's story is not just about winning races; it's about conquering life's challenges with grace and unwavering determination. Join us on this extraordinary journey as we unravel the incredible saga of Michellie Jones, a woman who made history, broke records, and left an indelible mark on the world of triathlon and continue to define anything is possible even after more than three decades in the sport of Triathlon.