A 76-year-old triathlete from The Woodlands placed second in his age group at the 2025 World Triathlon Championship in Australia, marking his first podium finish at the event and reinforcing the training philosophy he says keeps him healthy.
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A 76-year-old triathlete from The Woodlands emphasizes that the key to longevity in both sport and life is rooted in one fundamental principle: movement. Michael S. Dwyer secured a second-place finish at the 2025 World Triathlon Championship in Wollongong, Australia.
"You need to do something; it is time to move." "It is important to control the inflammation," said Dwyer, who won third place at another world event in October after participating every year in his age group since 2005.
Dwyer, a seasoned participant in endurance sports, took part in the Wollongong race following significant accomplishments in 2024, such as clinching victory in his age group at Ironman Texas and securing a second-place finish at the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. He finished the event in Australia in approximately three hours, placing just behind an Australian competitor.
Dwyer, a native of Seguin and a retired periodontal surgeon, dedicated over thirty years to his practice in Conroe and The Woodlands.
Former patient and friend Steve Scheffler noted that Dwyer's character endures beyond his athletic prowess. “Michael embodies humility and compassion,” Scheffler remarked. “He is not only remarkably fit in terms of physical health, but he also demonstrates a strong commitment to his faith and a generous spirit.”
Dwyer’s running journey started in the late 1970s while he was in a surgical residency in Boston, where he participated in the Boston Marathon as a “bandit,” lacking an official bib. He ultimately achieved the remarkable feat of finishing the Boston Marathon 14 times, including in the race's centennial year.
As Dwyer sought cross-training opportunities with age, he participated in his inaugural triathlon in The Woodlands in 1984, subsequently establishing the Conroe Area Triathlon Community in 1986. He continues to be one of its most engaged charter members.
His extensive experience in the sport includes notable challenges, such as the iconic Escape from Alcatraz triathlon in San Francisco, where participants faced frigid waters, strong currents, and a grueling beach run that challenged them to their limits. Kona’s 2024 race was notable for its challenging winds and the presence of jellyfish. “Thankfully, none of the tentacles ensnared my face or neck,” he remarked.
Wollongong’s coastal course presented chilly ocean conditions and powerful surf, complemented by a picturesque backdrop that Dwyer noted reignited his passion for racing. “The remarkable aspect of triathlon is that it has provided me the opportunity to explore the world,” he stated. Following the championship, he remained in Australia to discover the area.
Dwyer expressed his intention to maintain a daily training regimen “as long as the Lord permits,” attributing his physical and mental sharpness to his commitment to consistent exercise. “I feel improved, and everything functions more effectively,” the triathlete shared.
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