The Heartbreaking Moment That Stopped Two-Time Australian Olympian and Ironman Legend Ky Hurst In His Tracks
There was a quiver in Ky Hurst’s voice when the Australian waterman great spoke of his youngest daughter, two-year-old Ocean, as he prepared to head to his happy place, the beach, with his family on the Gold Coast.
BACK IN THE SWIM FOR STARLIGHT: Ky Hurst shows the style that made him a two-time Olympian. Photo courtesy Ky Hurst Collection
Aptly regarded as one of Australia’s greatest ever oceanmen, a two-time Olympic marathon swimmer, Lifesaving Ironman Hall-of-Famer, and yachtsman extraordinaire, had a lump in his throat when revealing that Ocean suffered from epilepsy.
Ky and wife Katie have spent much of their time over the past two years in and out of hospital after Ocean had experienced unexplained seizures.
One of Australia’s toughest ironmen who has conquered the heaviest of oceans, swimming, surfing and manoeuvring every kind of craft from surf skis and paddle boards to SailGP yachts had a lump in his throat.
Nothing had prepared the 42-year-old father of three as he witnessed “his little girl” experience her confronting ordeals with epilepsy.
Hurst and Australia’s Queen of the English Channel Chloe McCardel are the 2024 ambassadors for the Speedo Starlight Super Swim – a month-long February fund raising effort where all Australians can swim laps to raise much needed funds for the Starlight Foundation that helps 180,000 sick kids around Australia.
Starlight has a $7million fundraising target for 2024 to raise funds for kids to access Express Rooms – medical-free havens for sick kids and their families seeking a welcome break from the relentless cycle of medical treatments and procedures, a place where kids can just have some fun!
Asked what drew him to Starlight, Ky took a deep breath before revealing his own personal connection and his family’s experiences in hospital, something Hurst is personally passionate about, saying he didn’t hesitate in getting involved.
“Our youngest, Ocean has epilepsy and the amount of times Katie and I have been in an out of hospital has been ridiculous, so it is a real personal connection,” said Hurst as his voice quivered at the thought of what his little girl was experiencing.
OCEANS MAN: Ky Hurst swimming for two-year-old daughter Ocean. Photo Courtesy Ky Hurst Collection
“To see Ocean (go through that)…yeah, it’s pretty confronting for any parent – she’s our youngest and we’ve never been in and out of hospital so much.
‘So what Starlight is doing to helps kids and their parents have access to Express Rooms is amazing and we are so lucky to have a foundation for our kids and the children around the country.
“Also remembering what the nurses and doctors go through is heart-breaking to see…whatever you can do to brighten up our kids lives we should all be bending over backwards to make sure that happens.
“When kids like Ocean are in hospital and experience the arrival of Captain Starlight it takes you out of that moment of why you are in hospital.
“it’s a distraction that brightens up kids lives, whatever they are going through…they are in hospital for a reason where Starlight really plays a critical role.
“To have an initiative like this throughout these Starlight Express Rooms with the Starlight Super Heroes is like a breath of fresh air for them and the parents.”
Hurst, retired from a long and successful professional racing career, is now putting back into the community on the Gold Coast as head coach at the Mermaid Beach Surf Life Saving Club and his own Clinics around the country – and he too has jumped back in the pool to help raise these much-needed funds and create awareness.
PADDLE POWER: Ky Hurst shows his ski paddling prowess. Photo courtesy Ky Hurst Collection
“The Starlight Super Swim is such a beautiful thing and what a way to raise money through the swim challenges,” said Hurst.
“If I can create some awareness and encourage people to get in the water…and swim their laps and try and raise a few dollars here and there, then I’m there every day.
“It doesn’t take a lot of effort at the end of the day…it ticks all the boxes. You are getting in the water…it’s good exercise for you and your general fitness and mental state…and at the same time you are earning money for a fantastic cause.
“It’s open to all ages and all fitness levels. You don’t have to be a champion….you just need to swim. Just swim a few laps and raise some awareness and money for an amazing Foundation.
“I’m back in the water….it has certainly motivated me to dive back in and have a swim which is something I too need to be doing.
“And I’m doing it for Ocean as well….we never know when she might have another seizure and land back in hospital again….”
ABOUT STARLIGHT SUPER SWIM
Super Swim is a virtual swim challenge from 1 February through to 29 February 2024, aiming to raise $7 million to help deliver happiness to 180,000 sick kids.
The Super Swim challenge is open to all ages and fitness levels. You can complete the challenge at any location across Australia – this could be a pool, the ocean, a lake, or your local swim school!
Funds raised from Super Swim will help support Starlight’s vital, in-hospital programs.
STARLIGHT SUPER SWIM REGISTRATIONS