Guest speaker Brad Smeele visited Sancta Maria College on 16 June 2025 and delivered an inspirational talk focused on his life changing injury. Brad Smeele is a world champion wake boarder who perfected the trick ‘Double Indy Tantrum to Blind’ – a dangerous stunt that involved two backflips and a blind 180-degree spin. In July 2014 he attempted the trick one final time for the day, with an additional half twist; unfortunately, this time he knew it wasn’t right and as he came out of the manoeuvre, he fractured his C4 vertebra, leaving him a quadriplegic. After his trauma he had trouble integrating back into society due to his loss of independence and physical limitations. He shared his story and was open about his mental health journey.
Brad Smeele was able to open our minds and inspire us during his visit. Even after he had his accident, he was scared, but he didn’t let go. This is what Brad Smeele showed us, even if something happens to you, pulling you away from something that you love the most, you don’t just give up, you move on and ‘own it’ – and learn to ignore the comparison culture we find ourselves living in. He left us with a quote from the book, Peaceful Warrior “The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.”
He showed us that, even after he got horribly injured, he still had the courage, the strength to keep going. Thank you to Brad Smeele and the team that made this experience possible.
