Michael's father, Steven Burling, of Ha'atafu Beach Resort, Tongatapu, said that because of work commitments Michael could not compete in all the six events on the circuit. Michael competed in four events and was a finalist in three. He then won the fourth and final event that he competed in, finishing in fifth place overall.

Michael graduated from the Auckland University School of Medicine last December and is now working as a junior doctor in Gisborne, New Zealand.