Writer:- Lynne Tatam, Gosnells Writers Circle

Western Australia 

GOOD LUCK MATE

07

  

Finally it was underway, nervous competitors from around the world waited for the starting siren. Grinning from ear to ear the brothers grabbed each other’s hand in a show of warm solidarity saying a heartfelt “good luck mate”. One was born and bred in WA, surfing before he could walk, the other was from South America. Carlos had come to the sport much later than Sam and he was the wildcard in this surfing comp, he possessed strength and grace both of which belied his traumatic past. Carlos was an orphan who was adopted by Sam’s loving family after years of red tape. His entire family had been slaughtered by Columbian drug lords when he was just a child, and he’d been forced to witness the atrocity - they’d purposely left him alive as a warning for others not to cross them. So traumatized was he the authorities thought he may never speak again and until he reached Australian soil did not utter a word. Gazing at the ocean for the first time he whispered the words “el mar” it was Spanish for the sea and from that moment on he was no longer silent. The healing process took time but he eventually learned to trust his Australian family, some days it was one step forward and ten back!. His fascination with the ocean grew, he learned to swim showing no fear of the water or what may lurk beneath. Over time he became a strong swimmer and at Sam’s urging Carlos joined the local surf lifesaving club where he found the love of his life - surfing! The rest is history. He was now ranked 23rd in the world an amazing accomplishment for a young man who at only eight years old had lost absolutely everything, Sam who ranked 18th worldwide couldn’t be prouder of his brother.

Later, after the competition had finished first and second place getters were interviewed by Surf Time’s Chad K who asked “So what’s the secret of your ongoing success Carlos? Sam?” Looking over at Sam, Carlos smiled and said “We’re Aussies and Aussies don’t give up no matter how hard it gets”