HEALTH

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

May 6, 2022, 12:10 PM | Updated: 12:33 pm

Kyle Brown and his new wife Colleen shortly after their wedding. 

(Lindsay Aerts)...

Kyle Brown and his new wife Colleen shortly after their wedding. (Lindsay Aerts)

(Lindsay Aerts)

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:

 

 

 

 

 

 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Health

(Canva)...

Michelle Lee

Here’s how you can benefit from home workouts

Let's Get Moving Host Maria Shilaos spoke with Fitness Trainer Amy Hackamack to learn how home workouts can be beneficial to our health.

7 hours ago

How the dating world has changed...

Aimee Cobabe and Carlos Artiles Fortun

How the dating world has changed, and how to navigate it

UTAH — The rise of online dating in the last ten years has fundamentally changed the game when it comes to finding a romantic match. The dating world is no longer dominated by mutual friends, high school sweethearts or meet-cutes. Millions of people are now using one or two dating apps as their primary dating […]

1 day ago

SALT LAKE CITY -- Ozempic When Nick retired he noticed that he'd begun to put on some weight. "I wa...

Clayre Scott

Dieting by design: Using Ozempic as a diabetic weight loss treatment

How do popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic help treat diabetes, and how does the off-label popularity of these drugs influence their medicinal treatment.

1 day ago

Image of John A. Moran, who died Sept. 23, 2023. Moran had a passion for eye care, which led to the...

Mark Jones

John A. Moran remembered for passion for eye care

John A. Moran has died at age 91. He was the driving force behind creation of the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah.

3 days ago

If you're looking at getting good sleep, you'll want to focus on your thoughts about it as opposed ...

Amanda Dickson

Dickson: It’s not how well you slept, but how well you think you slept

When it comes to getting good sleep, it's more about your attitude on how you slept versus the actual sleep you got.

3 days ago

FILE: Stacie Hale plays with her son Theodor at home in Smithfield. Stacie hoped to get aid from WI...

Lindsay Aerts

Government shutdown could disrupt Utahns using WIC benefits

But Utah health officials say they're working to assure that the benefits for Utah mothers and children will not run out.

5 days ago

Sponsored Articles

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Human hand holding a protest banner stop vaping message over a crowded street background....

Prosperous Utah Communities

Utah’s Battle to Protect Youth from Vaping Epidemic Faces New Threat as Proposed Rule Threatens Progress

Utah's strict standards of nicotine levels in vaping products are at risk, increasing health hazards associated with use. Read more about how you can advocate for a better future for Utah's youth.

Aerial photo of Bear Lake shoreline with canopies and people camped out on the beach...

Visit Bear Lake

Last-Minute Summer Vacation Planning? Check Out Bear Lake!

Bear Lake is the perfect getaway if you are last-minute summer vacation planning. Enjoy activities with your whole family at this iconic lake.

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

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