Marlborough People: Mike Combs, Triathlon Champ, Pursues His Passion

MARLBOROUGH, MA—He grew up in Poughkeepsie, NY, but for the past 27 years, he's called Marlborough home. Graduating from Springfield College, Mike Combs was a two-time NCAA Division II National Swimming champ.

While the sporty sort, Combs worked for Gillette Company for 26 years and left the company as VP of sales. He took the package when Procter & Gamble bought out Gillette, and then moved on as executive vice president of sales for Colibri and then VP of sales for Philips Electronics.

Now, he's retired, and pursuing his first love and passion: competing in athletic events.

"I retired from the business world and have focused on triathlons, multisport events and swimming competitions," said Combs.

Combs has been an All American Triathlete for the past five years, and most recently became a World Triathlon Champion in the Olympic distance in Cozumel Mexico for the 60-64 age group. He's also nabbed Nationals twice for the aquabike event (which includes swimming and biking). He also placed second at World Aquabike Championships in Penticton Canada. Last week, Combs competed in the New England Swimming Championships and set three New England swimming records.

"I love to promote fitness especially as we grow older and belong to the Highland City Striders, a running club and the Worcester Area Masters Swim Club," Combs told Patch.

Combs has clearly passed on his drive and passion to his son and daughter, who both are Marlborough High School graduates. His daughter Katie was on the Marlborough cheerleading squad and graduated with honors from UNH business school and now works at Ocean Spray. His son Kevin was the captain of the tennis team, and graduated in the top 5 percent at Boston College. He's been assigned an F15C fighter and received his Air Force wings.

"As for community involvement, I was the past president of the Carisbrooke Residents Association and was actively involved in raising funds for the Marlborough Boys and Girls Club," said Combs. I really have enjoyed living in Marlborough and believe it is a great community to raise a family. It is good to see the progress the city has made over the years.

Photo submitted

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