Growing up in Bilbao, Basque Country, Mikel was heavily involved in competitive sport. As part of an incredibly active family - he dabbled in swimming, surfing, cycling, steeplechase and cross-country running.

A multiple regional triathlon champion, Mikel Txopitea is one of the fastest triathletes in spain over the middle distance.

Mikel’s ability in both running and cycling naturally drew him towards the world of triathlon, but swimming was an unfamiliar discipline. It is an area where he still believes he can improve. He starts swimming in order to work as a lifeguard and got top 10 in Vizcaya’s lifeguard selection and second position in Gipuzcoa. Then he achieved fifth on and sixth position on tube rescue and 100m beach running in Noja national lifeguard championships.

Mikel was originally a track runner, but also excelled on his feet by competing at the spanish Cross-Country Championships  and showcasing the necessary tools to excel in the sport of triathlon.

Mikel prospered as a junior, winning numerous events. His top 10 spanish MD triathlon ranking results were followed his podium at AG ETU MD European Championships in Bilbao.
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Unsurprisingly for someone who has set those world records, Mikel’s motto is “work as a Captain, play like a pirate”.

When he isn’t racing, Mikel have worked as a lifeguard in 15 beaches, also as jet ski patrol. As a scientist, researched targeted proteomics and cancer discovery. Then, he encouraged secondary school teenagers as a teacher and now works as firefighter sheltering the northlands.