Wednesday 19 October
38-year-old Greg Costello’s physical endurance and mental strength will be pushed to the limit when he strives to compete in 35 events across four sports at the 2016 Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games (JPPMG) from 5 to 13 November on the Gold Coast.
The Kingscliff local is attempting to break two world-records at the biennial multi-sport competition including both the most events completed and the highest number of podium finishes, while raising more than $5,000 for Project Futures, an Australian based not-for-profit charity helping put an end to human trafficking.
The record attempt emerged as a new goal for the CrossFit enthusiast after suffering a horrific wrist injury during a training session.
“I gave myself two years of training for the CrossFit Open and about eight months into it I had a horrific accident where I shattered my wrist, dislocated the metacarpals in my hand and severed all the ligaments,” Greg said.
“Two weeks after the injury, I was in a bad place. I was depressed, in pain and my dream was shattered. I knew I wouldn’t be able to participate in an official CrossFit competition again.”
With the encouragement of Project Sparta, a Gold Coast non-for-profit gym passionate about contributing to vulnerable communities around the world, Greg began his rehabilitation using their altitude training facilities and was soon inspired to set a new challenge.
“Written on the walls of the gym are these startling facts about the extent of human trafficking and Australia’s inadvertent contribution to child sexual exploitation,” Greg said.
“I have two young daughters and knowing that two million children around the world are forced into the sex trade every year really hit home for me.
“The gym’s charity work is endorsed by a number of a sporting legends including JPPMG ambassador Karla Gilbert OAM, as well as surfers Mick Fanning and Stephanie Gilmore, and they inspired me to contribute by competing in an event and raising money for the charity.”
Greg Costello to push his limits by competing in 35 events at the Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games
Greg allowed 15 weeks to train for the JPPMG but his preparation was halted by a personal tragedy.
“Shortly into my training, my mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed away later,” Greg said.
“My training was disrupted as I was travelling from the Gold Coast to Geelong regularly to spend time with her.
“After losing my mother, I could’ve fallen back in a hole because it was devastating. But I knew it was important to get back out there, hit the gym and move forward. I know she’s here with me and it’s empowering me to continue.”
Not only is Greg focused on completing all 35 events and raising money for Project Futures, but he wants to inspire others to achieve their goals.
“When my mother passed, I made a promise to her and Project Futures that I would raise money and awareness for the charity and that promise has driven me to succeed.
“It’s about helping others and giving back to the community by showing them that anything is possible.
“Re-evaluate your goal and start talking to your friends and family about it and you’ll soon find yourself well on the way to achieving it.”
Greg’s sport itinerary includes:
Athletics
Indoor Rowing
Swimming
Ocean Swim
To donate or for more information visit Greg’s World Record
The new scheme was born here and filagra this is not something that we would like to see. Caverta although better in some elements but not important for us.
