John Hargreaves

I started weight training wen I was about 21 / 22 with a work mate. Not taking things to serious, just to try something new.

All was going good for about a year, then I was in a 4X4 offroad accident. I was passenger in one of the 4X4s of two that day wen we became bogged. I jumped out and using the recovery gear (snatchit straps) attached it to other 4X4 and we slowly tried to reverse out the bogged 4X4.

It was very deep and our efforts failed. We then tried a few more times with a little more force and on the 4th attempt, the reversing 4X4 ripped off the 2.5" solid steel strenghting bar off the back of the bogged 4X4 and through both of my legs below the kness by an half inch.

Both legs severed hanging on by strands of skin. I broke off 12cm of bone from both tibia and fibia from both legs. Along with all the muscls, tendons, ligiments, veins, arteries etc... Looking at double amputation I feard the worst being into almost every sport. I was at a loss !

After talking the doctors into patching up what was left and leaving my legs on to hang over front of chair instead of a couple of stumps, I saw that as my first win or obstical beaten. I wore exfixitors and 1/4" bars through my legs from hips to ankles to stablize my leftovers. Lol ! (legs)

Four weeks later and countless operations with many types of surgens I was dis-charged home, confined to bed and supervised wheelchair rides. I was totally 100% relying on my family that I moved back in with, to do my everything. Cook, feed, wash, dress, take me to toilet. Everything.

Being this way gave me more determination tban anything has ever before, or ever will. I began my mental recovery 6 / 7 weeks after accident. Jump forward a few months and doctors took sum xrays showing bone growth in both legs.

Having a room big enough for 3 people max and then suddenly having 9 or 10 doctors lost for words looking at the xrays of my new bones.!!

This gave me yet another boost of confidence.

Forward to about 9 months out from accident and I'm about to get pins and bars through my right leg removed, due to bone growing back. Left leg still had pins in as bone hadn't made all the way yet.

After operation I was groggy and stupidly got out of bed and stood up shattering the new bone in my left leg. .

Again talk of cutting off that leg but again talked them round. Plaster fitted with wedges and other bits and I was again shipped home.

Now big jump to 3yrs and 2 months from accident and im getting the pins out of right leg and plaster cast of my right leg. Amazing but weird sensation. !!!!

2 days in hospital and home but still in chair. Started physio and before you could blink I was walking with the aid of ballerena bars.

Then onto a hopper frame and crutches and finally a walking stick. ;) Along the last year or so of being in my chair I could get around better so I started lifting weights again.

Back on my feet now 3years and 6months from accident I joined Industry Health Club weighing a massive 55kg.

After all the years of wanting more I found as place that could help me achive it. Mark and Leeah the owners and the staff and trainers have always been there to help and assist with my type of training and big needs.

I have my Certificate 3 and 4 in Personal Training.

Ive now competed in a few Nabba / WFF comps.

Southerns 2009 Placing 4th in my class.

Southerns 2010 Placing 3 and also Qlds 2010 placing runner up. Loosing by 1 point.

Im now about to begin prep for season 2012 so looking forward to improving.

Some Competition Photos: