University of Queensland student Montague Summers has set two world records at the World Transplant Games in South Africa, despite having a bone marrow transplant after treatment for leukaemia.
Mr Summers was one of 1800 athletes from 49 countries at the games. All were organ or tissue transplant recipients.
The UQ School of Human Movement Studies student won silver in the 5km road race, bronze in the team 5km road race (Australia A) and gold in each of the track events.
Mr Summers broke world records in the three track events – by seven seconds in the 1500m and four seconds in the 800m and equalled his own 2011 world record in the 400m.
He said his performance demonstrated what transplant patients could achieve.
“My racing strategy was to race logically until the final 200m and then come home fast, with the pride of racing for the green and gold, for the love of life and for my family and friends,” he said.
“My training has been on and off due to injury and health problems caused by my leukaemia.
“I had muscle strains that set me back a month as well as shin splints for another month,” he said.
“I tried to remain sensible with my condition and, using my knowledge learnt at university, I did what I could to keep fit without exacerbating my condition.”
Mr Summers juggled up to 10 intensive training sessions a week at the State Athletic Centre with full-time university study and fundraising activities for post transplant patients.
He is raising funds to develop transplant patient programs and workshops with a strong focus on physical activity and a healthy diet.
Mr Summers said he hoped to help transplant patients develop competencies and confidence to live a life without limits and with courage.
He has raised $15,000 towards a target of $20,000.
Donations can be made online.
Find out more about Mr Summers’ journey on his World Transplant Games 2013 Facebook page.
Contact: Janelle Hocking, Marketing and Communications, UQ School of Human Movement Studies, +61 7 3365 6764 or j.hocking1@uq.edu.au
