Former Devon RNLI lifeguard competing in Paralympics

Mike Taylor looks for paratriathlon gold

Mike Taylor, who was an RNLI lifeguard in North Devon for four seasons is now set to compete in his second Paralympic Games in Paris.

The para-triathlete tragically lost his leg in 2016. Fortunately, he was able to return to lifeguarding following the amputation and said the RNLI played a part in his recovery.

Mike said: ‘I started lifeguarding when I was 17 and did that for a couple of summers. Then, after I lost my leg, I went back and the RNLI were really supportive to me at the time. I’m so grateful for that.’

Phil Hill, Area Operations Manger for the RNLI in the south west and former colleague said:

‘Mike is an incredibly popular guy and when he was faced with his life changing decision the team around him did an outstanding job of supporting him and assisting with his recovery. We were so pleased when Mike wanted to return to lifeguarding after losing his leg and we all played our part in ensuring it was an accessible job for Mike as we wanted him back on the team. Since then Mikes forged his own career in Triathlon, we all knew he would make it to the Paralympics but that doesn’t make it any less of an achievement, he’s incredible and we wish him luck. I know the team past and present will be tuning in to watch!’

Mike also explained how lifeguarding and his background led to him pursuing triathlon.

He said: ‘, I was working in North Devon and I ended up doing the lifeguard challenge, which involved swimming 1k , running the length of the beach and paddleboarding back to the start, so relatively similar to what I’m doing now.

'I grew up near the beach, swimming all the time - I was part of Saunton Sands Surf Life Saving Club – and that background has certainly helped develop my skills with triathlon, especially with the river swim and in strong currents as I’m used to swimming and working in the sea.’

Mike lost his leg the same year as the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics and this coincidence sparked a determination in him to get back into sport.

Mike said: ‘I lost my leg in 2016 when the Rio Olympics and Paralympics was on the TV. I always knew I wanted to get back into sport, and swimming, running and cycling were all things that I was good at prior to my injury.

‘Watching the Rio Paralympics I saw triathlon as a really fun thing to do and was similar to surf lifesaving skills, and that drove me to get back into sport.’

From there, he got involved in paratriathlon and quickly proved himself, winning the British Championships in 2017 before defending his title in 2018.

His results fluctuated in the following years but there were plenty of promising finishes, which ultimately led to him being selected for Great Britain in the PTS4 category for the Tokyo Paralympics.

After finishing eighth in Tokyo, whilst Mike wasn't happy with the result he admitted he had learned valuable lessons.

He said: ‘I went into it with relatively high expectations in the build up and ended up going a bit too hard and ended up over-training and messed up the race a little bit. It was an awesome experience. I learned a lot from it as it didn’t quite go as well as I’d hoped, but it’s helped me become a little more patient and not rush into things and panic.’

2024 has been a stellar season for the former RNLI lifeguard, which has seen him win three out of five events, only failing to reach the podium on one occasion and, while he admits there are some nerves, he’s excited about competing on the Paralympic stage again.

‘I do get quite nervous,’ he said. 'When I talk to family and they’re asking how I’m doing, it’s really nice but it does increase nerves as you want to go and do well and it builds up the hype a bit more. Its also a good thing as well as it builds up the adrenalin and gives you a big boost.

‘Having been to a Paralympics before, I know what to expect a little bit more.’

After a successful season on home turf, many will be hoping the Devonian athlete can come home with a medal, something he said will take a huge effort.

He said: ‘It’d be incredible. I think it’ll have to have a pretty super race but you never know, especially in triathlon as so many things can happen but winning a Paralympic medal would be crazy.”

The RNLI lifeguard presence in Paris doesn’t stop with Mike as Jack Hutchins, a former RNLI lifeguard supervisor taking place as a reserve for the triathlon and Taylor said it’s great to have a familiar face in camp.

Mike mentioned his appreciation for the support from his old colleagues.

“They’ve been class and super supportive so when I’m back I’ll definitely need to head to the beach and have a chat with them.’