Rapid Ascent

Paul van der Ploeg has cemented himself as a force to be reckoned with in mountain biking over the past several years. Not only on the Australian mountain bike circuit, but also in Europe and around the world. The monster from Mount Beauty embraced the modern Eliminator XC format early in his career and picked up a World Cup Eliminator win in England 2011. In 2013 he WON the World XC Eliminator title in South Africa. Paul has since competed in the Enduro World Series (EWS) and a swag of other

He's a father of four and runs a local gym in Geelong with his wife. But he's also a Guinness World Record holder and just completed 535 consecutive half marathons in June 2019. In Episode 4 of the Rapid Ascent podcast we interview running machine and 2019 Surf Coast Century participant, Matt Daniels. He's incredibly humble despite his achievements. And he's raised almost $100,000 for charity doing some crazy running adventures. Now find out why he just completed 535 consecutive half marathons

In Episode 3 of the Rapid Ascent podcast we interview the founder of Rapid Ascent—the man himself, John Jacoby. At just 19 John became a World Marathon Kayak Champion. He went on to win 3 more World Kayak titles along with 3 Multisport World Championships. He was the given the keys to the city of Melbourne at the tender age of 22 in recognition of these achievements. His crowning glory was perhaps winning the prestigious ‘Adventurer of the Year’ Award in 2015. But he talks of his adventures with his

Sharn Coombes was a Crown Prosecutor in Victoria for three years. She is now a member of the Victorian Bar and manages a busy schedule bringing justice to some of Victoria's worst criminals. She's also a devoted wife, Mum of four kids, an endurance athlete and Runner-Up Australian Survivor 2018. Find out what her secret is...

Sean Purcell is lucky to be alive. In 2014 he went for your typical Sunday morning jog with his dog. His wife and 4 kids expected him home not long after. Well, he never came back. Find out what happened next and the transformation that ensued...