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Guest speaker Brad Smeele held a hall full of senior Health, PE, Sports Studies students, and Prefects spellbound during an inspirational presentation on Friday.

He was previously one of the world’s top professional wakeboarders – a two-time Junior World Champion and the first person to land a ‘double tantrum to blind’ over a mega ramp. In 2014, a tragic accident while attempting that same trick resulted in a broken neck, leaving him a quadriplegic.

His talk was the ultimate masterclass in resilience. It’s one thing to hear about ‘positive thinking’ in a book or a social media meme, but it’s another entirely to hear it from someone who redefined his entire existence after a life-altering accident.

Brad talked about his journey from the dark early days in a hospital spinal unit, then shifting to acceptance and absolute determination to live life to the fullest.

When his doctors said scuba diving was too dangerous (the risk of getting the bends when using an oxygen tank is greater for quadriplegics), he decided he’d simply hold his breath and free dive. He can now hold his breath for an incredible 5m45s and, with assistance, loves to experience marine life up close.

Brad urged students to focus on the things they can control (their own words, actions, attitudes, and responses), rather than being overwhelmed by what they can’t control. About just being the best and happiest ‘you’ – not falling into ‘comparision culture’. About switching our inner voice from a negative mindset (‘I always get this wrong’) into a positive one (‘it might not be perfect, but I can do better this time’). And so much more.

Huge thanks to Brad for sharing your story and the things you’ve learned with our students.