Graham Paull is geared up for Rio
Graham Paull from Haenertsburg is the only para-canoeist in Africa who has been chosen to represent South Africa at the Rio Paralympics in September.
HAENERTSBURG – Seven years ago Graham (then 22) met his sweetheart, local Nicky Morgan (then 20), a Pilates instructor at the Pot ‘n Plow outside Haenertsburg. It was only fitting that this young man’s subsequent fundraising party was held at the Pot ‘n Plow this past weekend.
The community collected over R45 000 of the R100 000 needed to send Graham to Rio and his grandfather, Patrick McGaffin, made a heartfelt speech.
Accolades go to the organisers, Megan Baragwanath and Louise Claassen, who also organised the Silvermist Holistic Fair in the village for the weekend.
While more than 100 Harley-Davidsons from Johannesburg purred into the Iron Crown, there was meditation, therapy and peace in the village hall. The local children and Graham’s young cousins sold raffle tickets outside to get Paul to Rio, they managed to collect more than R3 000.
The wine auction at Caffe Villa realised R18 000. Gary Barnes from the Pot ‘n Plow, who celebrated his birthday on Saturday, donated all his birthday proceeds to Graham. The rest came from other businesses and anonymous donations.
Years ago, the couple was on the brink of success. Graham’s rainbow trout grow-out business was about to go big and he’d been selected to play for the Limpopo Blue Bulls in the 2013 Vodacom Cup. They celebrated at the Iron Crown but their lives changed dramatically the next day on 20 January 2013. Graham awoke to a bladder that wouldn’t work with stiffness down the back of his legs. He was diagnosed with a spinal infection called transverse myelitis which paralysed-and confined him to a wheelchair.
During this trying time, shy Nicky stayed firmly by his side, albeit in the wings. Graham started canoeing, took part in major events and today stands on the brink of international recognition.
Graham recalls the beginnings of their romance. “I had to do a lot of work to win her over. I was working in Mozambique and came to visit my mom, Liz McGaffin, who lives on the family farm outside Haenertsburg. I had to return to Mozambique but Nicky and I kept in touch.”
Nicky, speaking about their subsequent four-month break-up, says: “All couples argue. We didn’t break up because of the medical circumstances but because of our relationship. We discussed the break up like civilised adults. Besides the arguing there was sulking and the uncommon evils of jealousy and demand had crept into our relationship. This wasn’t how we started. I also realised that Graham couldn’t worry about me. I had to be strong for both of us. You don’t just turn your back on someone you love.”
Graham says: “The four months apart taught me to be independent and face the world in my wheelchair. Despite the distance we spoke every day. Nicky is so supportive. She watches me practice with our little dog, Monster, by her side. She’s the one who wants me to achieve. She’s there for me, without her I wouldn’t have got to where I am.”
While in Haenertsburg Graham did a 45-minute recovery session at Stanford Lake on the Saturday. He says it’s very challenging as it’s the first time he’s working with Fouche van Tonder from Pretoria, one of the top technical coaches in the country. The rest of the time Graham trains twice a day, six days a week at Roodeplaat Dam.
“There are only five para-canoeists in South Africa and my dream and ambition is to develop the sport in South Africa. To this end Nicky has applied for the position as Chairman of Para-Canoeing SA,” Graham says.
He explains sponsors wanted to drop able-bodied canoeing as there were not enough sponsors, however, para-canoeing saved the sport as para-canoeing is growing fast. Para-canoeing had over 200 para-canoeists at the recent competition in Duisburg, Germany.
