Pictures: Kellie Blizard, Michael Dawson, Steven Meisel
Former model Michael Whittaker has swapped designer suits for sportswear as the visually impaired athlete pursues a future at the Paralympic Games.
Auckland-based Michael, 34, once lived a life as a leading model, hitting the catwalks of New York, Paris, Milan and London, working with brands like Prada and Dior. But in his mid-twenties, his life was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa – a genetic disorder causing dramatic vision loss.
“When the long-term implications were spelt out, I didn’t really know how to process it,” he admits. “I did my best to compartmentalise it. No one really knew and I avoided talking about it.”
But as the condition worsened, Michael decided to settle into life in New Zealand. Here, he started to study for a PhD in English literature while modelling part-time. It was back in Aotearoa that he met his fiancé Meike van Roij, who has also worked as a model.
During their first date at Auckland Art Galley four years ago, the pair bonded over their shared love of literature.
“We felt pretty strongly about each other from that first meeting alone,” Michael shares.
Another unexpected discovery was around the corner for Michael. Despite little past experience with physical activity, living on a pre-Meike diet of beer and takeaways, he was about to embark on an unexpected journey that would lead to high-performance running. The spark came during the 2020 lockdown, which he spent with Meike on Waiheke Island.
“I’d never really run before, but because of the lockdown, there were no cars on the road, so I could run safely and not worry about my vision making things dangerous,” explains Michael. “The circumstances that allowed me to start running were very unique.”
Continuing to enjoy the freedom of running and its psychological benefits once the lockdown had ended, he entered the 2021 Auckland Waterfront Half Marathon. Michael finished it “comfortably” in just over one and a half hours.
Encouraged by the performance, he joined an athletics club. There, he made rapid improvements, running a little under one hour and 18 minutes for the 2022 half marathon.
Since connecting with Hamish Meacheam, who coaches a group of leading Paralympic athletes, Michael has continued his meteoric rise, setting a national half marathon T13 (visually impaired) record of one hour and 14 minutes at the 2023 Auckland Marathon, and now has international ambitions.
“I’ve been astonished, impressed and very proud of Michael’s running,” says Meike. “I see the dedication Michael puts in. He deserves success.”
Running up to 100km a week, Michael either trains with a guide or runs one of several safe routes he has devised around Auckland.
“It’s not for the faint-hearted,” he says of running with a visual impairment. “Curbs, cars, cyclists, not to mention all the scooters… I’ve had my share of scrapes and stitches. The worst so far was a nasty head wound from hitting the branch of a pōhutukawa tree at full tilt.”
Also bitten by the running bug, Meike sometimes jogs alongside Michael during his easier runs. Taking advantage of having the waterfront as their “backyard”, the Parnell-based couple try to get out together whenever they can.
Aided by his guide dog Tane, Michael believes he is also very lucky to have the total support of his Dutch-born fiancé, who is very understanding of his visual impairment and the challenges it presents.
“Meike is so thoughtful, caring and empathetic,” says Michael. “Many people would not have the strength of character to deal with the perception that being with someone with an impairment is overwhelming or tragic. I give her so much credit for having the strength to not listen to those voices.”
For Meike, Michael’s visual impairment isn’t a huge issue.
“Everyone adapts to their partner,” explains Meike, who is studying law. “But we have turned something that could be a difficulty into a strength.
“Michael is the most supportive partner I could ask for. He’s always been there for me. I admire his drive and determination. Everything he puts his mind to, he does it with so much care and passion. I’m fortunate to have him in my life. I love him lots.”
Beyond completing his doctorate and ongoing modelling assignments, Michael is now also looking to pursue a spot in the 5000m and/or marathon for New Zealand at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games.
Whatever the future holds, Michael delights in having running as a key part of his life.
“I work in academia, so my office work can be quite philosophical and abstract. Running – celebrating the body and the outdoors – is a nice counterpoint to that.”
But is there anything from the modelling world that has allowed him to thrive in running?
“Although modelling is often put up on a glamorous pedestal, the behind-the-scenes reality is that it involves a lot of grind, frustration, patience and a fair bit of luck,” he tells. “Running is not too dissimilar. Behind the big performance on race day lie countless hours of preparation, injury lows and – if you’re really lucky, like me – a loving partner.”
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
