Old Photos

Had a shit day last week so decided to take a few hours off to do a few things and while at home I started looking through some old photos.

Have to say that memories started flowing back just like it was yesterday. The first open water swimming trophy, my first surfboard, some surfing photos from when we were a lot younger (over 25 years ago), a surf trip to Mexico, another surf trip to Fiji etc, etc – so many fun times.

So, in the interest of history (and for Julie, who loves photos) here are some old photos – enjoy!!

Andy and I - winners Brass Monkey Trophy, Mid winter ocean swim race 1984

 


My very first Board, mid 1980's




Me surfing a bay called Curio Bay, mid 80's

Very young at Oreti Beach, mid 80's



I took this picture while having a "drink and food" break in the boat - an awesome day surfing at Cloudbreak, Fiji. late 1990's



The lads at Seashell Cove Resort, Fiji late 1990's

Me after a big session coming back in the boat from the reefs

Fiji

Surf Camp, Baja Mexico late 1990's

Shipwreck, Baja Mexico

Sad to leave the surf camp

9/11

My thoughts and prayers go to all those who have been affected by the events of what happened 10 years ago today.

I was on a plane 10 years and 1 day ago, on my way to Canada.
I transited through Los Angeles on the 10th of September 2001.

September 10th was my dad’s birthday and I had planned this date to ask Sonia to marry me.

I did this on the evening of the 10th when I arrived in Cranbrook, BC.

She said “Yes”

As you can imagine, we were very happy.

I was half a world away from New Zealand and she was a long way from her hometown of Montreal, but we were together and incredibly happy – that changed less than 12 hours later when the world we know, changed forever.

Such a historical event, I’m sure everyone can remember exactly where they were at that exact moment in time. When they heard about or watched the events unfold.

I got out of bed early and turned on the TV – my body was on New Zealand time and I was wide awake – I was flicking around the channels when I came across what I thought was a movie but no, it was a live news feed from New York. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing and I called out for Sonia to come and see this. We sat there, eyes fixed to the screen with looks of disbelief on our faces. We watched as the second plane hit the World Trade Center and just felt sick.

We, like many millions of people around the world, felt so helpless.

What dawned as the happiest day of our life, quickly turned into one of the most sombre days that will remain with us forever.

We sat together in each other’s arms alone, miles from home, miles from family and friends but together

Kia Kaha New York

Absolute Legend

It's not every day that you get the opportunity to meet and chat with an absolute legend of the sport - what would you ask?

Hamish Carter and me

I've been interested in triathlon for a long time BUT it's only been the last 2 years (this will be my second season) that I have actually been competing - I love it, it's great fun.

I joined the Canterbury Triathlon Club because I really didn't know much about it - I came from a swimming background and have never been a runner but I was keen as anything.

On Saturday night I went to the annual Canterbury Tri Club dinner and awards, I've met so many great people through tri and it was a fantastic evening out (I went last year as well but only knew 2 people)
I got the biggest surprise when I was awarded with "Novice of the Year" - considering I didn't even know that I had been nominated. I'm 45 years old and not too old to be a novice - very cool indeed!!!

The guest at this year’s awards was a true legend in the sport of Triathlon - Hamish Carter, Gold medallist in the triathlon at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. He gave a wonderful speech and we all had an opportunity for a Q and A session which was very entertaining and then after the dinner and awards, we all got a chance to chat with him - what an amazing guy and very giving of his time.

He told us of his disappointment in the Olympics in Sydney 4 years prior to Athens where his full intention was to win the Gold medal - in his own words, he had a "shocker" race that day BUT it made him come back stronger and more prepared for Athens.

I went to the pool the next morning and “smashed out” 2 km’s at pace – felling really good about things after the pep talk from a champion.