Rowing champion

Gordon Eddey (51), a former journalist, took part in the Beijing Paralympics as a rower. In 1988 he was one of the 35 people injured by a bomb planted by Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) outside Ellis Park Stadium after a rugby match. The bomb was in a BMW outside the stadium. Harold Matshididi was the MK operative who planted the bomb, according to his submission to the Truth and Reconciliation Commision in 1998. Clive Clucas (48) and Linus Marais (34) were killed in the blast. Gordon's friend, Roger Hagerty, also lost his leg that day. The two hockey players from the Old Johannians Sports Club were season ticket holders. The late Campbell MacFarlane, a former paratrooper and trauma surgeon, managed to save Gordon's arm, but not his leg. A few years ago Gordon's son, Creaghan, began rowing at King Edward School. One day Gordon was persuaded to take part in the Long Row, in which dads take part. Adrian Higgins, now coach of the Paralympic rowing team, convinced Gordon to get involved in rowing. At the Paralympics, Gordon was the oldest SA Team member. He was cheered on by his wife Tracy, daughter Cara and Creaghan.