Epic test of endurance
WATCHING friends struggle through the pandemic helped Bonnie Hancock push through the excruciating pain of eight gruelling months paddling around Australia.
The 32-year-old ultra-endurance athlete crossed the finish line at Northcliffe Beach on Sunday after a 12,700km, 254-day journey.
The incredible feat has etched Hancock’s name in the history books as the youngest and fastest paddler to complete a circumnavigation of mainland Australia.
The Gold Coast athlete has also claimed a new women’s world mark for the longest 24-hour paddle at a distance of 213km off Cape York.
The 32-year-old set out on the epic adventure to raise $100,000 for mental health charity, Gotcha 4 Life.
“Through the pandemic I saw a lot of my friends around me really struggling with mental health – losing their jobs and having depression and anxiety,” she said.
“I think there needs to be more education and more conversations to break the stigma around it, so people feel more free to talk.”
The athlete experienced her toughest challenge paddling across the Great Australian Bight, off South Australia.
“I was sea sick for two weeks, I couldn’t hold food down,” she said.
“That was very taxing on the body and mind.”
Surprisingly, she didn’t see a single shark fin during this stretch of the paddle.
“It was really strange, we didn’t see anything across the bight – it was mainly birds out there.
“That was eerie in itself, because you expect to see big creatures.
“It was very quiet and the water was very black because I did a lot of night paddling.”
After so long at sea, Hancock was most looking forward to the sand between her toes as she stepped on to the beach.
“I just want to be able to enjoy the beach without having to do 100km paddles,” she said. “We were out there without phone reception for two weeks.
“You can’t contact friends and family for a lot of the time – you’re essentially pushing your body so much and sore all the time.
“I missed just being able to relax, hang out with friends and family and enjoy some down time.”
Those inspired by Hancock’s effort can donate to Gotch 4 Life at https:// gotcha4life-fundraising.raisely.com/bonniehancock
If you or someone you know is struggling, phone Lifeline 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.