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Geoff's Collapse Sends Stark Warning To Athletes
Last post Sat, Aug 18 2007, 9:04 PM by AmethystAngel. 10 replies.
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 Thu, Aug 16 2007, 12:19 PM |
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sicklizard
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Joined on 04-25-2005
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The soggy part of England
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Posts 2,109
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Geoff's Collapse Sends Stark Warning To Athletes
Geoff's Collapse Sends Stark Warning to Athletes
No one could ever question Geoff Sewell's 100% commitment and determination to every project he throws himself into, but whilst running in the London Triathlon earlier this month, it almost cost him dearly.
Although an experienced, accomplished and extremely fit sportsman, the Kiwi tenor, who was competing to raise funds for Treating Autism, fell victim to highly underestimated yet potentially deadly enemies - dehydration and overheating. After almost completing the 10km running track in the stifling 30 degree heat, Sewell was on target for a very impressive 38 minute run, but disaster struck just 200 metres from the line.
He collapsed, unconscious, after not drinking enough water during the event and sprinting in the extreme heat. Fifteen paramedics worked frantically to resuscitate him while his eight Incognito team mates surrounded him in support. After enduring frightening seizures and being violently ill, Sewell had to be rushed to hospital in an ambulance, where medical staff worked on him for another six hours in A&E. Desperate to get his 44.5 degree temperature down, they packed him in ice and tirelessly tried to get fluids into him to ensure his temperature didn't rise any further and cause brain damage.
Fortunately all their efforts were successful and he lives to tell the tale. "It was terrifying", Sewell said. "I came to in the ambulance and didn't remember a thing or know where I was. Apparently I was screaming 'I'm going to live!' and the paramedics knew they had quite a character on their hands! Apparently I was resisting their efforts to give me oxygen, tearing the mask and tubes away from me in my distress, but thank God I had a wonderful team of people helping me who literally saved my life".
Sadly though, the dangers of this frightening and life threatening ordeal are all too common for competitors at major sporting events and Sewell is very keen for his awful and eye opening experience to serve as a stark warning to others taking part in any sports activity, especially in unusually hot and humid conditions, around the world.
"I run to work every day so I'm used to 10km distances or more, and I drank lots of water before the race. You think this kind of thing won't happen to you. But it can and in my case, it did! I would never have thought it possible until I experienced it!
Thankfully, although he will still require close monitoring over coming weeks, the charismatic New Zealander is gradually getting back to his energetic best, feeling absolutely "stoked" at having a second chance at life. And he's already throwing himself into what's ahead with renewed vigour, not least the recording of his debut solo album which is due to be released at the end of the year.
The rest of his Incognito Artists' team did complete the Triathlon, feeling proud of their sporting achievements in the swim, bike and run sections of the event and were only sorry Sewell's sprint around the course didn't end in a win for the team, instead almost costing him his life.
The team have already raised over £2000 for Treating Autism, but donations are still very welcome and gratefully received. To donate please visit: www.justgiving.com/incognitoartists
Your attitude determines your altitude in life
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| Thu, Aug 16 2007, 5:47 PM |
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timetraveller
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Joined on 04-24-2004
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Coastal Victoria Australia
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Posts 21,085
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Re: Geoff's Collapse Sends Stark Warning To Athletes
How frightening. So glad that Geoff's on the mend. Just reminds us how dependent our bodies are on that precious water.
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| Thu, Aug 16 2007, 11:12 PM |
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Paola
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Joined on 05-05-2004
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Melbourne, Australia
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Posts 8,049
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Re: Geoff's Collapse Sends Stark Warning To Athletes
Yes, our bodies can cope with many extremes but are also very finely tuned so that if factors such as temperature and PH (acidity/alkalinity) are out of whack then the repurcussions can be extreme. It must have been so frightening for everyone involved. I wish Geoff all the best in his recovery.
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| Fri, Aug 17 2007, 12:17 AM |
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AmethystAngel
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Joined on 08-30-2004
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Perth, Western Australia
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Posts 5,150
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Re: Geoff's Collapse Sends Stark Warning To Athletes
How scarey for Geoff and his family and loved ones, not to mention all the Ammiratori. Who can imagine this world without Geoff?? I hope he'll take good care of himself and be back on the road again very soon. Special thoughts and lots of love to all the Sewells. BTW - when did this actually happen??? How come we're only hearing about it now??
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| Fri, Aug 17 2007, 1:06 AM |
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sicklizard
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Joined on 04-25-2005
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The soggy part of England
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Posts 2,109
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Re: Geoff's Collapse Sends Stark Warning To Athletes
It is indeed an absolutely horrendous ordeal that Geoff and his family have endured. Thank God he had such a good medical team able to keep here, so he can continue rocking!! In typical Geoff fashion he is absolutely buzzing about having a second chance at life and even more keen to make the most of life now. The Triathlon took place on 4th August, Cherri (I posted a message from Geoff about the event in the Ammiratori section, with the link to the donation site beforehand) and Geoff wanted to give his own personal account of his experience and warn other's about the risks and dangers directly. Here's to the important factor though, that Geoff is very much alive, relishing his second chance and able to keep inspiring us all with his music and fantastic attitude to life!! 
Your attitude determines your altitude in life
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| Fri, Aug 17 2007, 10:34 AM |
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sicklizard
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Joined on 04-25-2005
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The soggy part of England
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Posts 2,109
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Re: Geoff's Collapse Sends Stark Warning To Athletes
Just passing on a message from Geoff: Hi Guys, A few of you have written that you are upset about not being told sooner. Completely my fault as I hate delivering bad news and hate to worry anyone so I told hardly anyone. Therefore ensuring that I made a quick and complete recovery was the solution I came up with. Thanks so much for all your wonderful messages and concern, you are all brilliant! Lots of love Geoff x
Your attitude determines your altitude in life
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| Fri, Aug 17 2007, 1:43 PM |
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patcaz
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Joined on 12-29-2003
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Isle of Wight, UK
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Re: Geoff's Collapse Sends Stark Warning To Athletes
Geoff has asked that I now post some of the photos from earlier in the day, prior to their event; 
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| Fri, Aug 17 2007, 5:15 PM |
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timetraveller
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Joined on 04-24-2004
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Coastal Victoria Australia
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Posts 21,085
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Re: Geoff's Collapse Sends Stark Warning To Athletes
Nice photos Pat. Thanks for posting. It's frightening to think of the turn of events a short time later. Just re-inforces to live life to the full- end of the day it is so fragile- and we never know what the next minute or hour has in store for us. What a harrowing time it must have been for Sim and the family. Thankfully Geoff made it through. More daring adventures ahead for that boy! 
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| Sat, Aug 18 2007, 5:03 AM |
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FLOWER
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Joined on 04-01-2004
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Sydney, Australia
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Posts 6,412
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Re: Geoff's Collapse Sends Stark Warning To Athletes
I'm relieved that Geoff has made such a good recovery and thanks for the photos Pat.
 ~Lily~ First Sydney Ammiratore and "A Usual Suspect" "If music be the food of love, play on"
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| Sat, Aug 18 2007, 9:04 PM |
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AmethystAngel
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Joined on 08-30-2004
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Perth, Western Australia
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Posts 5,150
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Re: Geoff's Collapse Sends Stark Warning To Athletes
Thanks for the pices and messages Pat and Joey. The whole thing was just too scarey for words. Great to know that Geoff's doing fine now though.
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