“Never give up”
This may seem like a simple motto for some but for cancer survivor and lower leg amputee Malcolm Codrington it’s a way of life which has propelled him to competing at his second Pan Pacific Masters Games this November on the Gold Coast.
The South Australian first began competing in masters competitions just months after being diagnosed with bone cancer in his right foot in 2011 which resulted in him having his leg amputated from the knee down in order to save his life.
The 64-year-old has competed in a number of events since, including the Australian Masters Games and Adelaide Masters Games with great success, but admits it’s not about adding gold medals to his already impressive Pan Pacific Masters Games medal tally this November.
“For me, it’s not about the competition. It’s about the social aspects of the event and having the chance to meet and celebrate with other athletes from Australia and all over the world,” Malcolm said.
“Nothing compares to the satisfaction you get from doing your best and soaking up the cheers from supporters and other competitors when you’re on the track.”
The ‘never give up’ motto has been printed on his racing wheelchair to continually remind himself of where he’s come since his health issue three years ago and he will use it as a source of motivation while racing on the City of Gold Coast Athletics Track.
“I’ll be competing in six track events including the 60m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m as well as the hammer and shot put competitions,” Malcolm said.
“The reason I compete in these events is to show other competitors and supporters that if I can do it, than anyone can do it.”
If Malcolm’s sport schedule wasn’t busy enough, he has decided to add two indoor rowing events to his itinerary which has meant additional time at the gym training for the gruelling distances.
“I’ve been training twice a week at the gym on the rowing machines and trying to build my upper body strength so I can take on the 500m and 1000m distances,” Malcolm said.
“Training for the Pan Pacific Masters Games every day of the week definitely beats sitting at home on the couch watching television.”
Athletics – track and field will be held from Saturday 1 to Monday 3 November at the City of Gold Coast Athletics Track while indoor rowing will be contested on Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 November at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Early bird fees for the Pan Pacific Masters Games finish at 11:59pm (AEST) on Wednesday 3 September.
The 9th biennial Pan Pacific Masters Games will be held on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia from 1 – 9 November 2014.
More than 12,000 participants from around the world will compete across in more than 40 sports and socialise each night at the Games Village. 2014 is the year to ‘Play it, Live it, Love it!’
The Pan Pacific Masters Games are supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
For more information please visit www.mastersgames.com.au.
The new system was born here and filagra this is not something that we would like to see. Caverta although better in some elements but not significant for us.
