Michael O’Keeffe (1987) was selected in the Australian 50-54 age group team to compete at the World Cycling Championships, in Glasgow, in August 2023.

O’Keeffe’s selection in the time trial and the 160km road race events came after a lifetime passion for cycling saw him compete in elite events in Europe, in his 20’s and early 30’s.

Michael was in the leading group for much of the road race, but some bad luck along the course, saw him finish a credible 38^th of 250 riders, with former Olympic Gold Medallist, Alexander Vinokourov, winning the event.

Going into the time trial event, the Aesop CEO, was a chance for a Top 5 finish, but blew a puncture and was forced to withdraw. 

Michael summed up the experience as follows:

“Unfortunately about a quarter of the way in, I punctured, and my race was over. Really disappointing as the family was all there to support me and I’d put a lot of effort into the training but sometimes that’s sport”.

Michael always gave his utmost to all sport he competed in, at Parade, between 1982 and 1987. He was an excellent distance runner, swimmer and Australian Rules player who never gave an opponent an easy game.

Michael is based in Kensington, London with wife Jodie. His three children Ruby, Curtis, and Eamonn are currently studying in the USA and Scotland.