The World's Strongest Man: Tamati Paul

It's good to finally meet a real All Black.

Met Gisborne man Tamati Paul during my injury prevention training for SafekidsNZ. Former surf lifesaving and outrigger canoe champion, aspiring international kayaker, soon to be policeman, he's also a hero by putting his baby in a child restraint or car seat in 1998. While driving home they were nearly killed by a repeat drink-driver (drunk driver to Pedro) in 1998.

He literally was put back together during a 16hr operation. Most of the bones in his left side below the hip were broken. His foot was crunched and smashed. He suffered severe haemorrhage, head injuries, and was in a coma for a long time. He now has difficulty speaking and walking, and lost 4 years of his memory. His baby, on the other hand, was saved from grave injuries thanks to the carseat.

Tamati's back on his feet (against the odds), and now a spokesperson against drink driving. Hopefully we can convince him to be a champion in proper chilld restraint use as well.

Sort of felt I shared kinship with him, being another that was given a second chance.