A race against the odds
Kirsty Parsons competes in the ironman on the weekend.
Kirsty Parsons has made history, becoming the first New Zealander with cystic fibrosis (CF) to complete an Ironman.
During the weekend, the 32-year-old crossed the finish line of Ironman Taupō in just under 15 hours, after a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km marathon run.
She also raised more than $24,000 for Cystic Fibrosis New Zealand, with supporters donating to her Givealittle page.
“To cross that finish line was amazing, I was ecstatic. I was thinking about every hospital stay, every tough day, and every person in the CF community who helped me get there,” Kirsty says.
“When I was growing up with CF, I found a lot of inspiration looking up to others, especially when I was really sick and during tough times. I really hope that inspires other people living with CF and shows them what’s possible.”
As a teenager in 2008, she was introduced to the event when Ironman partnered with CFNZ.
She was paired with athlete Patrick Bristowe as an “Ironman buddy” and ran down the finish chute alongside him, a moment that sparked a long-standing connection to the event.
“Watching Ironman as a kid completely blew my mind,” said Kirsty.
“Getting to run down the finish chute back then was so special. To come back and complete the entire race myself is something I’m incredibly proud of.”
Kirsty says her ability to train and take on the challenge has been made possible by access to the medication Trikafta, which has transformed her health and quality of life.
“Before I started Trikafta I was struggling to walk to and from the supermarket. Then after a week of taking the drug I felt like I’d been put in a brand new body.”
Kirsty is a representative on the CFNZ Board and says the moment was about more than just personal achievement.
“This wasn’t just about me, it was about our whole CF community and I hope it gives young people with CF hope for their future.”
CFNZ Executive Lead Simone Brown congratulated Kirsty on her historic achievement.
“What Kirsty has accomplished is extraordinary,” says Brown.
Kirsty’s brother, Duncan Parsons, raced alongside her, also raising funds for the cause.
