Former polo champ is right back in the swim
JORDAN GERRANS at an under-20 level, at just 14.
Four social games last year gave him a taste of a return with Cairns Water Polo and Martin credits his reappearance in the pool with his improved mental wellbeing.
“I did not realise how bad or deep the depression was until I was in the throes of it,” Martin said.
“It is hard to get yourself out of it, unless you are ready to take the support. You can’t help someone unless they want to help themselves.
“What I have found, being in the pool four times a week, going to the gym and doing yoga, it has really helped me to be more positive.
“The social aspect of water polo, it is important to be around other people in a positive environment.”
Like many of his Cairns teammates, Martin has been in the pool four times a week for the past two months to prepare for the championships.
He laughs that his fitness is not near the level he will face this weekend but is hopeful he can provide leadership for the fledgling Far North club.
“It is a great opportunity to get back into the pool and promote Cairns through the country championships. Hopefully I can try a few of the old skills out again,” Martin said.
“I did not want to jump in the pool and find out I was totally useless (laughs).
“I can play a role setting other people up, getting them in better positions from the experience I have got.”
Cairns Water Polo President Jesse O’Hara says Martin, who works in community development around Australia, will be the key to their chances.
“He recently came out of retirement to be part of the tournament and has a great talent for the sport,” O’Hara said.
In 2013, Martin was appointed to the inaugural Prime Minister’s Indigenous Advisory Council.
Games run from 9am today until tomorrow afternoon.