Ky Kinsela
23
YEARS OLD
QLD
TUGUN
-
2022/2023 SERIES
swim
STRENGTH
Stats
Bio
Ky Kinsela was born and raised in Coffs Harbour, NSW. He started nippers in the u10s at Sawtell SLSC, and at the time kept going with it purely because of his love for the ocean. It wasn’t until he entered the U17s that he become more involved in competition, and with some podium finishes in the U19s grew to greatly enjoy the sport. Kinsela has moved from strength to strength, having been selected as a member of the Australian Lifesaving Team, claiming two Australian Taplin Relay titles in 2018, and now finishing first overall at the 2023 Trial round on his home beach of Tugun. Kinsela loves the ocean and the unique atmosphere of iron racing, and his goal for the 2023/23 Nutri-Grain is to do his best and enjoy the ride.
Ky, how old were you when youstarted surf lifesaving and why?
I was nine years old, and though I was never the biggest fan of Sunday nippers, it was another time I got to go to the beach.
Who was your hero growing up in surf lifesaving?
Honestly as a kid I wasn’t especially interested in competition, I just wanted to go catch waves. But as I got older and started to get into racing more, I found myself really respecting guys like Ky Hurst and Wes Berg, because they came across as really humble guys, and often looked like they were having a bit of fun with it, because neither were afraid to doing something different in a race, like go down the beach chasing waves.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
“Just be yourself, try your hardest, and whatever happens, happens.” (My Mum, who never takes her own advice)
Your advice for aspiring Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain athletes?
The same advice.
What do you think about during a race?
I just try to keep calm.
Ky, what has been a high in your IronMan journey?
Winning QLD State Ironman in 2021 is highlight.
Do you have any pets?
I have a dog named Diamond, who never stops barking.
Do you have a secret talent?
It’s a secret!