Growing up in a quiet mining town in central New South Wales, Brodie Sargent didn’t know anyone with type 1 diabetes. It was only when he moved to Wollongong that he discovered a new community and a sense of purpose that would inspire him to chase world records. In this motivating episode of Life on the level, Brodie opens up about carving a path from country kid to a global role model for others with diabetes.    

A country childhood: creative beginnings 

“When I was young, my parents bought a farm block and raised us in the country,” Brodie explains. “I was a creative and chubby kid. In late primary school, I traded drawing for sport to fit in, including racing motorbikes with my adventurous older brother.” 

In Year 9, Brodie began losing weight rapidly and going to the toilet often. He was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Initially, self-conscious, by year 11, his desire to play rugby with his mates had taken over.  

Seeing diabetes through a new lens 

“Playing rugby with a blood glucose monitor strapped to my arm made me realise that I could do whatever I wanted,” Brodie says. “I returned to drawing and started tattooing. In my late teens, I moved to Wollongong and landed a job as a tattoo apprentice.”  

In Wollongong, Brodie started to meet more people living with diabetes. Talking with them shifted his perspective.  

“I think Mum sheltered me from some of the more serious consequences of this disease. When a mate’s friend told me about his Mum dying at 60, it hit me hard. I knew I needed to do something that made a difference,” Brodie says.  

A turning point on the road 

Brodie later quit tattooing and joined a family road trip from Darwin to Perth. With lots of time to think and a copy of Nedd Brockmann’s book from a friend, Brodie had a revelation.  

“I thought to myself, ‘I can run.’ I didn’t run the cross country at school until Year 10,” Brodie laughs, “But my roommate in Wollongong had got me running before work and doing half-marathons some weekends. While working two jobs, running became my thinking time.” 

Running with purpose 

Brodie began running more frequently, testing his limits. One day, he called his dad. 

“I told him that I wanted to run the 800 km Gibb River Road in Western Australia. He suggested that I start with something smaller and that I could make more of a difference by running to fundraise, rather than to push myself.”  

Brodie’s passion now had purpose. Six months later, Brodie ran 50km a day for five days, three in Wollongong and two in his hometown of Mudgee, raising over $9,000 for Diabetes Australia and JDRF (now Breakthrough T1D). 

Chasing a new world record 

Next, Brodie had a Guinness World Record in his sights. Starting in August 2025, he set out to break the record for the highest number of consecutive marathons completed by a male living with type 1 diabetes. After running 26 marathons in 26 days and finishing with a half‑ironman alongside his brother, Brodie achieved the Guinness World Record. An absolute legend, Brodie is now more determined than ever to turn his social media into an advocacy platform, @typerun_, that he hopes will outlive him one day. 

Tune in: Brodie’s full story 

On this episode of the Life on the Level podcast, Brodie opens up about his dream of one day finding a career that brings him the same sense of fulfilment as his long-distance runs. For now, his focus is on raising awareness and funds to support others living with diabetes, and that purpose alone keeps him moving forward. His story is a powerful reminder of the strength found in community, connection, and determination. Whether you live with diabetes or not, Brodie’s journey will inspire you to chase what matters most. 

You can follow Brodie’s progress on Instagram @typerun_