The embodiment of earning a second lease on life, Luke Mathews is proof that it’s never too late to see the dream to fruition.
A multiple-time Ironman World Championships qualifier in the 2010s as an age grouper, Mathews began pursuing his pro license in 2017—until a doctor’s visit revealed a medical condition in his vital organs that necessitated emergency surgery to prevent what doctors say was certain death. It took over a year to recover from the invasive surgery to get back to walking, then active swim/bike/run activities of a motivated triathlete—then, back to the pro ranks.
With his life-altering event in the rear view mirror, Luke let the adage of “too old” in the dust to pursue his time-deferred pro racing dream, mixing it up with the best from around the world. He also coaches athletes out of his home base in Dubai while working closely with UAE based bike shop Bikeera, and stands as the current No. 1-ranked triathlete in the UAE.
Results
2025
16th place, Challenge Sir Bani-Yas
2024
18th place, Ironman 70.3 Bahrain
6th place, Challenge Xiamen
13th place, Ironman 70.3 Warsaw
8th place, Ironman 70.3 Philippines
2023
5th place, Challenge Samarkand
