🚑 Aaron Fleming was just 16 and an aspiring international gymnast when he faced a first surgery for a serious lung condition that Doctors warned would end his active way of life.
“When I was a teenager, my lung collapsed many times, I required two lots of major surgery…and couldn’t even carry a back pack on my back for about five years…”
Fast-forward six years to Ironman New Zealand 2006 and Fleming defied that depressing prognosis by completing the first of what is now 19 (and counting) Ironman finishes. Not only that, the Southland Triathlon & Multisport Club inspiration has completed an Ironman on every continent that hosts the long distance triathlons, conquering races in the USA, Australia, Malaysia, England, South Africa, and Brazil.
On Sunday, Fleming’s 20 year “rollercoaster” journey in Ironman reaches its crescendo when the man from Queenstown toes the line in the 40-44 age group at the Ironman World Championships in Nice.
“Being able to get off that hospital bed 24 years ago, being told I wouldn’t be able to be physically active, to being here today, wearing the Silver Fern, representing my country, it’s just a dream come true,” Fleming told Ironman NZ.
“It’s the impossible dream and I know Sunday’s going to be really emotional for me. The finish line, I’m expecting tears because it’s been a real rollercoaster.”
‘Sunday’s all about finishing is winning’
Fleming’s achievements in triathlon have also served a greater purpose. Through his athletic endeavours, he’s raised more than $40,000 for various charities, with a significant portion benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Association.
In 2024, Fleming was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his contributions to triathlon and community work, a recognition that underscores the impact of his journey far beyond the finish line.
“Ironman has really saved me, it’s made me the healthiest person I can be, it’s made me the strongest person I can be. Mentally, this sport has been great for me and to be here on the world stage, getting ready to kick off on Sunday, wow. Like, I never thought I’d be here.
“I am amped, I am ready to go. This has been a dream for me, for so long, to be in a big race like this. I never actually thought someone like me could be here, so just pinching myself just to be in this amazing place, the south of France. Can’t wait.”
