“Achieve the Impossible” Shark attack survivor, Achmat Hassiem, lost his foot to a Great White when participating in a lifeguard training session at Sunrise Beach in Muizenberg in 2006. Since then, Hassiem has made an amazing recovery, learning to walk with his prosthetic foot, even going so far as to... Read More
“Achieve the Impossible”
Shark attack survivor, Achmat Hassiem, lost his foot to a Great White when participating in a lifeguard training session at Sunrise Beach in Muizenberg in 2006. Since then, Hassiem has made an amazing recovery, learning to walk with his prosthetic foot, even going so far as to compete in the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games and 2010 IPC World Swimming Championships in the Netherlands.
Having recently competed in the South African Nedbank National disabled championships 2010, winning six gold medals of the eight events he entered and setting three new SA records, he then completed the 7.5km Cadiz Robben Island cold water swim. 28 year-old, Hassiem, is living his dream. He received the Bravery Award from Prince Michael of Kent on behalf of the Royal Lifesaving Society. Hassiem is currently training for 2012 London Olympics, where winning the gold medal is his number one goal! Hassiem is currently captain of the Western Province swimming team, and has led them to victory for three years running.
Hassiem presents motivational talks, on his life experiences and how he overcame the challenges he faced. He talks on perseverance and staying positive in order to achieve one’s goals. The sports management student hopes to encourage young people like himself and others younger than him, inspiring them to believe in their dreams and to strive for them whatever it takes.