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Former Royal Marine competing in Hawaii Ironman after breaking back in skydive
Overview
Michael Oakes, a 50-year-old former Royal Marine commando from Andover, Hampshire, is competing in the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii just three years after suffering a severe burst fracture in his spine during a skydive accident. After major surgery involving metal screws and rods, and being told he might never walk again, Oakes used a determined mental approach and daily walking goals to recover. He has since returned to skydiving, completed an Ironman in Barcelona, and is now facing the grueling conditions of the Hawaii event.
Key points
- Michael Oakes broke his back in a skydive accident in October 2023, suffering a burst fracture where his lumbar spine broke into six pieces.
- He underwent high-risk surgery using metal screws and rods to stabilise his spine and was initially told he might never walk again.
- While still in hospital, he set a target to compete in an Ironman and booked a race in Barcelona for 12 months post-surgery.
- His recovery involved a daily incremental walking plan, starting from his hallway and gradually increasing distance each day.
- He is now competing in the Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, exactly three years and two days after his surgery.
- In addition to triathlons, he has returned to skydiving, completing another 400 jumps since his accident.