Robin’s tough as nails

THERE was no mountain high enough or mud pit low enough to stop local man Robin Braidwood from conquering the gruelling Tough Mudder course.
The 18km obstacle course of high walls, mud pits and barbed wire is already well known for being one of the toughest physical challenges, but Robin was among the bravest taking on the course despite his lack of vision.
Robin, a massage therapist in Peregian Springs, gradually lost his sight after being diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa in his mid to late twenties.
It was through his profession that Robin, a former 10km runner in his homeland of South Africa, met fellow elite runner and running coach Norbert Petras and the idea to compete in the Tough Mudder was born.
Norbert ran alongside Robin throughout the course and guided Robin over and under each obstacle course which took place on Saturday 7 May at the Sirromet Winery.
Norbert said the event went better than he expected and both runners finished with smiles on their faces and full of relief.
“We felt many different emotions. Some of relief that we got through it without hurting ourselves. I was worried for Robin as something could have gone wrong very easily at any point,” Norbert said.
“There were many competitors with grazes on their faces, rolling around on the ground in pain from rolling ankles, injuring their knees and being carried out in braces on the rescue quad bike.”
But the pair didn’t escape without a few scratches and bruises of their own as Norbert recalls the toughest obstacle of them all; the electric shock obstacle.
“What a nasty way to finish,” Norbert said.
“I think we got the double whammy as we had to link arms to get through the electrical circuit as quickly as possible. Every time Robin got zapped, I also got zapped and when I got zapped, he also got zapped.”
But Norbert said the running duo had a great time overall and were supported by the organisers as well as other competitors.
“Everybody cheered and helped us along the way and through the obstacles as well as helping each other. It was so good to see everybody looking after each other.”