Sharks, Expos and Sponsorship

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Who in their right mind would seriously signup for a 1.6km ocean swim starting at Shark Bay?

Apart from the above, a local quadriplegic (a.k.a. me) and his ever-supportive, bikini-clad fiancee (the only one out of 300+ competitors) entered to attempt their first-ever ocean swim – The Bay to Breakers. Website here.

I am immensely proud and happy to announce that after 1 hour, 24 minutes and approximately 47 seconds, Sarah and I were finally back on solid ground. Our combined body heat working overtime to return her lips back to normality and counteract the overwhelming exhaustion my body was engulfed by. The memory of the final 200 m and struggling around the outgoing rip with my “spaghetti arms” almost failing to emerge from the water following every stroke, will be with me for years to come. As will the standing ovation I was met with by the particularly patient crowd in situ on the beach. (more…)

February 3, 2014

Superstition, Swimming and Soul Patch

Puffin Magic Foundation update james gribble, nsw amputee golf association, paragolfer, puffinmagic foundation

We are all constantly challenged and confronted by life’s inevitable surprises and inherent quirks. But as one who has a historic penchant for fate and its consistent role in every day, even I was at a loss as to how, in my debut appearance in Golf Australia Magazine (Feb edition), there was also a 6-page spread on golfing in Iceland of all places, including coverage of Westerman Islands (where the original Peter the Puffin was caught) and puffins for heaven’s sake! One can only marvel at its originality. (more…)