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Leigh Wilson

and

"Bang!" The sound cracks across the water marking the beginning of the Hamilton Island Cup 16km OC1 Race 2002!

Leigh Wilson, racing as No.6  in the Men's Open division has been itching to really show the outrigger community what both he and John Hayes' new Bladerunner OC1 can do. 

Suddenly the unthinkable occurs, six strokes into the race his paddle breaks under the strain. Immediately Leigh is cast back to The Gold Coast Cup OC1 Relay earlier in the season when a broken paddle cost himself and partner Grant Shapcott a position on the podium.

The ocean gods are smiling this time though, John Hayes, the designer and builder of Leigh's canoe (and a Senior Master paddler himself) is still within reach of Leigh. John resigns himself to missing out on a race this year as he flings his paddle in Leigh's direction.

Like a scene from a Star Wars movie Leigh grabs this chance and wields John's blade to victory in Australia's premier paddling event, in excess of 2 minutes ahead of his nearest OC1 rival!

John Hayes

Amanda Willey

The race wasn't over for John however, Amanda Willey, an entrant in the Women's Marathon (coincidentally paddling a Bladey herself) is prepared with a spare paddle which she quickly removes and passes on to John so he may complete the race as well!
Unbelievable but True!
Leigh was following the lead boat, which after a while became lost in the thick fog blanketing the event! The boat had veered away from the island and so took him on a detour before returning to the coast of the island!!

 
Leigh also was forced off his canoe when he ran onto a rock during the race. After having to bend his rudder back into place by hand he resumed with just as much focus as he had started with!

 
Leigh finished more than 2 minutes ahead of the nearest OC1 (after all that), and was neck and neck over the line with the winning Surf Ski - a feat never before seen at Hammo!
In a sign of true humility, Leigh was the first person to greet John on the beach at the end of his race and humbly carried his canoe up the beach for him!