At The Healthy Body Company’s Jordan Springs clinic, we’re privileged to work with extraordinary individuals pushing the limits of human endurance. One of those is Michael Payne, a 21-year-old Ultra Marathon swimmer and long-term patient of physiotherapist Jude Holroyd.
Michael has tackled some of the world’s most gruelling open water swims, including the English Channel, North Channel, Catalina Channel, Cook Strait, Rottnest Channel, and Gibraltar Strait—just to name a few. His training is relentless—high volume, high intensity, and always pushing boundaries.
However, even elite athletes face setbacks. Over the past 12 months, Michael struggled with a persistent shoulder injury. Initially, while juggling his RN degree in Bathurst, his physiotherapy sessions were irregular. This inconsistency made it difficult to achieve meaningful recovery.
But over the last three months, everything changed.
Under the guidance of Jude Holroyd, Michael was able to commit to a structured physiotherapy treatment plan. Through regular sessions, manual therapy, tailored rehabilitation exercises, and a strong patient-therapist partnership, Michael made a full recovery.
And then came the big test.
In just three weeks, Michael achieved something truly remarkable: the Australian Triple Crown—successfully completing three Ultra Marathon swims in Sydney, Perth, and Tasmania. At just 21, Michael joins a small, elite group of swimmers globally who have conquered this challenge.
Working alongside Michael has been an absolute pleasure. His dedication, discipline, and trust in the physiotherapy process were key to his recovery and performance.
We’re so proud of what Michael has accomplished, and we can’t wait to see what epic swim he takes on next.
