Runaway Bay’s Mick Schuddinh is on a mission to fulfill a lifelong dream at November’s 2024 Pan Pacific Masters Games on the Gold Coast.
The 71-year-old former South African military paratrooper, university graduate, teacher, certified financial planner, and qualified and experienced remedial massage therapist, has entered five sports in this year’s Games.
But there’s one event that holds special historical significance for him.
“In 1972, when I was a teenager and captain of my school swimming team, I could never break the 30-second barrier in the 50-metre freestyle,” Mick recalled.
“It’s something that has stayed with me all these years, and now, these Games give me the chance to set things right after all these years.”
Mick’s goal, he openly admits, is ambitious.
An experienced swimmer typically completes the 50-metre freestyle in about 28 to 33 seconds.
But Mick is not leaving anything to chance, training twice a week with a personal trainer to boost his upper body strength.
In addition to the 50m, Mick will compete in four other swimming events, ranging from the sprint to 400 metres, along with the 2.5km Ocean Swim.
He’s also taking on four track and field events, indoor rowing, and long-course singles marathon paddling—an impressive lineup for anyone, let alone someone who is visually impaired.
“My dad never really came to terms with it,” Mick said.
“For me, the first real sign was during a parachute training jump when I landed in a hole I couldn’t see.
“Once I was diagnosed, I decided to stay as active as possible, and training for these Games is part of that commitment.”
This is Mick’s second appearance at the Pan Pacific Masters Games, having competed in 2022 as well.
And as he was then, he’ll be supported by two guides: 21-year-old Will, assisting him in running events, and 24-year-old Natalie, his swimming guide – both of whom are studying physiotherapy.
And he’s currently on the lookout for a guide for the ocean ski paddle.
Mick’s biggest supporter, however, is his wife, Marion.
He jokes that they met on a “blind date,” a self-effacing nod to his vision impairment.
Marion, also originally from South Africa, worked across the world with global mining companies before accepting a job relocation to Southeast Queensland in 2007.
“And we haven’t looked back since,” Mick said.
Reflecting on his upbringing in the coastal town of Port Alfred on South Africa’s east coast, Mick draws parallels between his childhood and his competitive spirit.
“Growing up, we were as free as birds. We learned to swim early, and those days are never far from my mind.”
And as Mick prepares to take on his packed schedule of events, you can bet breaking that elusive 30-second mark in the 50-metre freestyle will be at the absolute forefront of his mind.
“I know my workload is going to be exhausting, but I have great support, and I can’t wait to dive in,” Mick said.
“If I can channel [2024 Olympic champion] Cam McEvoy and finally smash that 30-second barrier, I’ll go home a very happy and fulfilled man.”
The Pan Pacific Masters Games will officially kick off from 1-10 November with an opening ceremony on Saturday 2 November at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre followed by entertainment from the Australian Rock Collective.
The event is organised by Events Management Queensland and are proudly supported by Experience Gold Coast and the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland.
Events Management Queensland acknowledges and pays respect to the Kombumerri people of the Yugambeh language region, the Saltwater People of the Gold Coast, as the traditional owners of the lands and waters upon which we invite and welcome participants from across the globe to experience our events.
