Head of Junior School
Last week we celebrated Father's Day with a breakfast in the Annexe for fathers and sons. As usual, the efforts of the Scotch Mothers' Auxiliary ensured we had a wonderful event and a excellent turn out. The boys enjoyed the opportunity to be with their fathers, enjoy a bacon roll and play with their friends on the ovals.
This year we had a slightly different programme than in previous years. Mr Brant Garvey treated the boys and their fathers to an inspirational talk. Brant is a professional triathlete and a member of the elite Australian paratriathlon team. He is currently preparing for the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro. Born a congenital above knee amputee, Brant inspired the boys with what is possible if you are willing to push the boundaries.
Three years ago Brant was walking with his wife and daughter and he decided he wanted to run (something he had not done before). He tried to run with his walking prostheses and promptly fell on his face with his walking leg flying off in the process. Undeterred, and not too badly injured, he picked himself up and tried again. Soon he was able to run a short distance.
After a short period of training, Brant decided to challenge himself and decided to run the HBF 12 KM Fun Run, the most difficult physical challenge of his life to date. Not content with that accomplishment, Brant decided he would next compete in the Busselton Triathlon, an ironman triathlon. In his first attempt, he set a world record for the fastest above knee amputee to complete a full Ironman.
From there Brant has gone from strength to strength. He has competed in triathlons around the world including t World Championships in London 2013 and the ITU World Series Race in Yokohama Japan in 2014. He is currently ranked number five in the world for above knee amputees. Soon he will be off to Chicago USA to compete a world-ranking event that will hopefully lead to him representing Australia at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro.
We talk with our boys about giving their best, trying hard, being prepared to fail and to try again. We hope they will develop into risk-taking individuals who will persevere when things get tough. There are people who inspire by their words and other who inspire by their actions. Brant is one who inspires by what he says and what he does. His passion for the pursuit of excellence in life and sport is equalled only by his desire to educate and inspire others to do great things in their lives. He is dedicated to helping others to develop the tools they need to face their fears, overcome their obstacles and to chase big dreams.
While his prosthetic legs fascinated our boys, they met and heard from a man who would not let perceived physical limitations prevent him from pursuing his dream of representing his country. He showed them that effort and commitment could make dreams come true.
Brant's Career Highlights
- Current world record holder and first above knee amputee to complete an Ironman triathlon in Australia, the 2013 SunSmart IRONMAN Western Australia (Busselton)
- 2015 & 2014 National Champion
- 1st Place at 2015 ITU World Paratriathlon Event in Sunshine Coast
- 1st Place at 2015 Oceania Paratriathlon Championships in Sydney
- 1st Place at 2014 ITU World Paratriathlon Yokohama, Japan
- 2nd Place at 2014 ITU World Paratriathlon Chicago, USA
- 6th Place at 2014 ITU World Paratriathlon Edmonton, Canada
- 1st Place at 2014 Oceania Paratriathlon Championships in Sydney
- First above knee amputee to complete a marathon and Ironman in Australia, 2013
- Has completed the Rottnest Channel Swim, a 19.7 km open water swim, five times
- Silver Medal, 100m backstroke, Far East and South Pacific Games for the Disabled (FESPIC) in Korea, 2002
- Bronze Medal, 100m freestyle, Far East and South Pacific Games for the Disabled (FESPIC) in Korea, 2002
- Bronze Medal, 400m freestyle, Far East and South Pacific Games for the Disabled (FESPIC) in Korea, 2002
Mr John Stewart
Head of Junior School
