Kyle Brown defying the odds, competing in the Ironman while fighting ALS

ST. GEORGE, Utah — Kyle Brown is getting ready for the fight of his life and inspiring others along the way. He is competing in the Iron Man World Championship tomorrow in St. George, Utah. 

Kyle completed a half triathlon last year despite struggling with advances ALS. Kyle talked with KSL NewsRadio about competing in the Iron Man and what that was like.

“I can let ALS define me or I define it,” Brown said. 

Kyle says he has found the training to be helpful in his fight against the disease, and to keep his body as functional as possible. Doctors have warned the stress from the intense training can be harmful or even dangerous, but Kyle’s wife has a different observation. She says, “When he would go for a bike ride he could talk better. He could walk better.”

According to ALS.org exercise can be beneficial to people struggling with ALS. One 24-week study cited by the organization tested mice and other small animals with ALS, as well as people and they found exercise has suggested potential benefits. 

According to his website KBStrong.org Kyle has raced bikes for over 25 years. He’s been racing triathlons for about 11 years. More often than not, he has a spot on the podium.  Six years ago Kyle competed in his first half triathlon, a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and 13.2-mile run. He has competed every year since then.

In May of 2021 Kyle, qualified and competed in his first full Ironman. But his success didn’t stop there, not only did he finish, but he placed 17th in his division.  This earned him a spot in the World Championship Ironman.

Kyle loves many aspects of bikes, he has been on several teams, he’s taught spin classes at several local gyms and has had a real following among spin fanatics. He’s also helped train the Davis High Mountain Bike Team. His message to the team, “How precious life is, how great life is.” Kyle’s wife Colleen commenting on Kyle’s relationship with the team, “I know he just genuinely respects every single one of them because he knows they are doing something that is hard., and that’s the only way he does things. He only does hard things.

Watch for the number 179 at this weekend’s Ironman World Championship. Kyle is wearing that specific number because its the same number worn by Jon Blais, the first man with ALS who has completed a full triathlon. 

Related reading:

• Utah man finishes World Championship half Ironman while dying from ALS
• Utah cyclist diagnosed with aggressive ALS to compete in Ironman World Championships
• Heart of Utah | Opinion “I haven’t missed out on a thing”
• Utah couple plead with Congress to pass ALS legislation
• Senate passes bill expanding ALS treatment access