MH Interview: Dwayne Fernandes

"Have you ever seen a double leg amputee attempt a bungee jump? One day, I’m going to do it,” proclaims Dwayne Fernandes. Sounds haughty. But when you find out this 25-yearold India-born Australian citizen holds several world records for being the first disabled stair climber to successfully conquer the Empire State Building, Sydney Tower, Eureka Tower in Melbourne, Central Plaza in Hong Kong and our Swissotel The Stamford, you’d take his seemingly lofty claim a little more seriously.

Born with a birth defect that left him with weak lower limbs, Fernandes made the decision to amputate both legs when he was just 11, and had them replaced with a pair of carbon-fibre prosthetic limbs. Despite his disability, Fernandes, who is an accountant by profession, never lets the bad hand that life has dealt him get him down. Inquisitive by nature and a staunch believer in trying everything in life at least once, he has a “been there, done that” list that would put many people his age to shame.

He has had a go at being a junior reporter at a television station, gone rock climbing, volunteered as a magician’s assistant, learnt to ride a bicycle – and even owns a scooter, which is his preferred mode of transport to get around his hometown of Sydney. Not one to shy away from the spotlight, Fernandes hopes that the media coverage of his world record climbs would inspire both able-bodied and disabled people to keep chasing their dreams, even if there are seemingly insurmountable obstacles along the way.

On Coming To Terms With Reality

At 11, my doctors told me that due to my birth defect, my body would eventually become too heavy for my legs. They recommended amputation. Upon hearing this, my mother was worried and suggested that I remove only one leg first to see if I could adapt. I firmly told her: “No, let’s take both off!” I was never fearful or angry about being disabled. Yes, I knew I was different, but I believed that if my will was strong enough, I could do anything a normal person could. The decision to cut both legs off was based on the fact that if I did it when I was younger, I would have more time and energy to adapt to my new legs before I reached adulthood. Moreover, I was excited at the prospect of being able to run freely. Essentially, I could either hide or get out and inspire others. I chose the latter.

On Living A Fulfilling Life

My disability made me realise how fragile and temporal life is: You’re here one day and gone the next. It also made me treasure my mobility, although I realise most normal people take it for granted. I thoroughly cherish being active, and I’ll never let my disability get me down – all my friends can attest to this. I make sure I frequently do the things I enjoy the most, and I want to try everything at least once. Whenever I’m feeling a little down, I take a step back and not let it get to me. In fact, I realise I have to do more than the average person because I have to keep up with every able-bodied athlete. All my closest friends do not have any physical impediment. And they consistently remind me that if I want to hang out with them, I’d have to pull my weight like any regular person. If not, they’d give me an earful for it. That’s the way our friendship works.

On His Worst Fears

At this point in time, one of my greatest fears is growing old and losing my mobility. The doctors tell me when I’m 50 or 60, I’ll probably be bound to a wheelchair, as I may not have the strength to move my legs then. To put things in perspective, all I have is now. And while I’m still mobile, I must do everything I can to get the most out of life.

On The High From Running Vertical Marathons

To me, being able to travel around the world to run vertical marathons and setting world records is extremely fulfilling. I do it for two main reasons: Firstly, because I hope to inspire as many people as I can – both able-bodied and disabled – to live life to the fullest, chase their dreams and keep tackling as many new challenges as they can. Secondly, to be honest, I get a huge adrenaline rush whenever I complete a vertical marathon.

You see, it’s a huge mental boost for me – a double-amputee who suffers from asthma – to successfully ascend 1,500 steps. When I do these races, there are lots of fellow runners who encourage me whenever they run past. They tell me: “Don’t give up! We want you to succeed! We’re all cheering for you!” And to see how much they appreciate my efforts really makes my day.

On His Response To His Critics

Yes, there are those who say I’m being opportunistic by capitalising on my disability, and using it as a means to fly around the world to take part in vertical marathons. Well, my response is: What I’m doing is showing the world I will not be beaten by my disability, and I hope it inspires others who are hiding behind their disability to break out of their shells. Yes, the loss of my legs made me realise I have to get out and live life with loads of fun. And, hopefully, it would motivate others to become better and consistently strive for something larger than them. Maybe my critics are right, in a sense: I’m capitalising on it – in the hope of inspiring others.

To read more about Fernandes’ life and future vertical marathon attempts, visit www.dwaynefernandes.com.au.

Conquer A Vertical Marathon

Dwayne Fernandes’ tips on running a vertical marathon.

1. Train With Stairs

Running up the stairs is very different from running on flat ground. Running up flights of stairs is much more taxing on your lower limbs and cardiovascular strength than running on flat terrain. Even if you’re a frequent runner, be sure to include stair-climb sessions of at least 30 minutes into your training regime three times a week for a month, before the race.

2. Mind Over Matter

If it’s your first race, there’ll be times (usually when you’re near the top) that you feel like giving up because your muscles are burning, your heart is racing and your whole body feels like it’s about to shut down. It’s at this point that you must tell yourself you’re

stronger than you think, and continue pushing to the top. Whatever happens, never give up!

3. Relish At The Finish

Almost all vertical marathons have a finishing point (at the top of the building) with a breathtaking view. When you finish the race, don’t just make your way down immediately. Always remember to take in the view and commit the moment to your memory after you’ve caught your breath.