4-Time Triathlon World Champion Chris McCormack Takes Reins at Thanyapura Phuket

Thanyapura Phuket has appointed multiple world champion athlete, Chris McCormack, as Executive Chairman of the world-class megaplex, marking a huge stride forward into introducing Thanyapura’s lifestyle concept internationally. With the help of the 365Playground team, Martin Michalik led the process of taking Thanyapura from a dream to reality, from design to the opening of its doors. Now, we’re thrilled to watch as the unique facility and programming we helped build becomes an international hub sports and wellness.

Mr McCormack officially took the reins at Thanyapura on December 1st, 2013, and is joined by new Chief Executive Officer Michael Gilliam. McCormack’s team, or as it is popularly know as Team Macca, is comprised of healthy examples of the lifestyle Thanyapura represents.

McCormack is the winner of more than 200 triathlons, and is widely considered one of the best ever to compete in the swim, bike and run. Gilliam, a well-respected sports personality in Australia, has coached many of the country’s elite athletes, and founded the LifeVision personal training brand of gymnasiums as well as Sportoga.

This exciting new team will further advance Thanyapura’s active, healthy lifestyle concept across all areas of sports, mind, health and education, including developing the junior athlete programme at the Phuket International Academy Day School. The addition of “Team Macca”  to the Thanyapura team complements the years of work 8-time Ironman winner Jurgen Zack put into creating and leading the Thanyapura Triathlon Academy and reputation.

McCormack’s history of excellence will transition well at Thanyapura, with its unique, world-class concept and facilities. “I came here to train and fell in love with the place,” he said. “Phuket is my sport’s emerging new power base and the opportunities are huge. However, I also deeply believe in Thanyapura’s brand promise: ‘Get more out of life’. It’s not just about high performance and winning races. Thanyapura is for everyone.”

Watch the McCormack’s journey as a world-renowned athlete here: