FRONT N ' CENTRE
MULTISPORT MAGAZINE FREE TO A GOOD HOME
This is just my second editorial for Multisport Magazine , and although I ’ ve written many editorials for other publications over the years , little did I know this issue was going to be one of the hardest to write . This is not because I am bereft of ideas , as I have plenty to say . No , this one is tough because a friend to many in our triathlon community passed away suddenly a month ago .
Much has been written about Craig Percival and his relentless pursuit to raise money and awareness for charities such as the John Maclean Foundation . A lot has also been written about his love for his children , his beautiful wife Lindell , and of course his passion for the Collingwood Football Club . So much love poured out on Facebook thanking him for the support he offered to so many in their own endurance journeys .
Craig was just 45 years old and recently completed ‘ 8 Ironman distance events in 8 days in 8 states ’. He was a genuine Ultraman , leading the threeday world championship for most of the race , coming second by the smallest of margins . He was fit , strong and healthy but still a simple operation followed by a blood clot took him away from his friends and family . I was in shock by the news and still am not really sure what to say or do .
However , one thing I have taken from this is how precious life is . It goes by so quickly and ends suddenly and often too soon . It ’ s funny how we all wait until someone is gone before we express how we feel about them , or how important they are to us . Sometimes it ’ s just too late . Indeed , there ’ s been an outpouring of grief from around the whole triathlon community and beyond , with some amazing tributes given to Craig . We can only hope he knew how much he meant to so many .
So I have decided that I will tell the people I care about just how much they mean to me . Not with memes and poignant phrases , but I am going to speak to them in person to keep friendships on track . I have had friends die , another with a cancer scare and others who are fighting illnesses such as depression . I have friends who I don ’ t see as much any more due to work / life / family circumstances , or due to me just being ‘ too busy ’. But that ’ s going to change .
If Craig taught me anything it was to pursue your dreams , be good to those you love and never give up .
To Lindell , Sam and Sienna , our thoughts are with you . To readers of Multisport Magazine , if you wish to help the family , please go to www . gofundme . com / helpcraigpercivalsfamily to give back to a family who did so much to help others .
Fellow triathlete , and friend to Craig , Mitch Anderson , delivered a moving eulogy at Craig ’ s memorial , which he has generously forwarded on to Multisport readers , and it can be read on The Back Page .
Train hard , very hard Shane
LIVE LIFE TO THE FULL - NO REGRETS !
BY SHANE SMITH
Publisher / Editor-in-Chief Shane Smith
Managing Editor Donna Noble
Sub Editor Michaela Smith
Magazine Designer Rachael Charles
Account Manager / Event Coordinator Adam Goodger
Contributors Michelle Hemley , Brenton Ford , Ali Deane , John Jacoby , Adam Goodger , Belinda Granger , Justin Granger , Matt Dymond , Peter Georginopolis , Brendon Downey , Paul McGlynn , Daryl Griffith
Special thanks to : Marcus Altmann
Printed in Australia by Webstar www . bluestargroup . com . au
Contact : Sport 3 Innovations E : shane @ sport3 . com . au W : www . multisportmag . com
PUBLISHED BY
SPORT3
INNOVATIONS
DESIGNED BY
SHANE SMITH EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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