I've accepted things I can't change
Heinrich Wagner is a visually impaired man, one who has brazenly performed numerous feats that would reduce most 'normal' human beings to quivering, cowering messes. Apart from participating in several endurance-testing marathons, the South African has broken two land speed records. He has completed the 2011 ABSA Cape Epic (regarded as the Tour de France of mountain biking). Oh, and he also played in the 1998 blind cricket World Cup, which his side won. DNA's Daniel Pinto spoke to this indefatigable individual who is also a sought-after motivational speaker and was in Mumbai last week to address a gathering of top business executives.
It's natural for people to dwell on things they can't change and attribute their failures to it. What made you different?
I was born blind. For 25 years, I was cross with god and the universe. Eighteen years ago, I set sail on a 28-day journey from Cape Town to Rio [de Janeiro] with two blind mates and a hearing-impaired skipper. It was then that I experienced this big, beautiful world and realised that I was so small in the universe. I decided to live a full life and stop feeling sorry for myself.
What made you go in for adrenaline-pumping, physically challenging sports?
It started out with me wanting to show the world that I can, but then it came back a full circle, when it became an option to market the abilities of differently-abled people.
I founded an organisation, VisionTree, in 2004 and all the adventurous activities I tackle are to fund it. After I completed a race on a tandem, the organisation was able to put six blind girls through six months of computer training. And the adrenaline rush, of course, is the closest I get to the sensation of sight.
How do you deal with the concerns of family and friends about your well-being?
I care for them, which is why when I'm about to face danger, I surround myself with professionals, like terrain experts. When I broke the land speed record for the second time, I consulted a professional racer in the UK and drove a Mercedes SL65 AMG, which is a safe car.
Adventure sports will always be risky. The element of risk adds to the adventure. My family has always been very supportive. I broke the land speed record two weeks before my wedding, and my wife was there.
When it comes to making decisions, a lot depends on visual input. What system have you developed to aid you in your endeavours?
Most of it comes from feeling. I'm good at picking things up through my senses. I use my gut feeling. And, of course, I make mistakes, but that's why I travel. If you travel across different countries and experience different cultures, it expands your point of view and your frames of reference.
How was your last visit to India?
The last time I was in India, it was for the 1998 blind cricket World Cup in Delhi. I was playing for South Africa and there was huge support from the local crowd because we were up against Pakistan in the final.
Are you a spiritual person?
Yes, very much so. I think I am guided by my spirit. I believe in my instincts. I try to be in balance with my spiritual side.
Tell us about your show 'Bat Magic'.
The main driving force behind the show is to show the lighter side of living in darkness. The show was very well received and when corporate presentations came along, I was able to reuse material. Incidentally, the festival was where I met my wife, Melindi.
As a man who has risen above circumstance, how would you define success?
To use a quote, success is a progressive realisation of a worthwhile dream. But what's important is you have to live the ideal and it will become a reality.
What achievement are you proudest of?
Accepting that I can't see, and I've decided to accept things I can't change, I'm proud of everything that I've achieved so far. One of the best, though, was South Africa's victory at the blind cricket World Cup. But I would say my greatest adventure was marrying my wife.
Heinrich Wagner is a visually impaired man, one who has brazenly performed numerous feats that would reduce most 'normal' human beings to quivering, cowering messes. Apart from participating in several endurance-testing marathons, the South African has broken two land speed records. He has completed the 2011 ABSA Cape Epic (regarded as the Tour de France of mountain biking). Oh, and he also played in the 1998 blind cricket World Cup, which his side won. DNA's Daniel Pinto spoke to this indefatigable individual who is also a sought-after motivational speaker and was in Mumbai last week to address a gathering of top business executives.
It's natural for people to dwell on things they can't change and attribute their failures to it. What made you different?
I was born blind. For 25 years, I was cross with god and the universe. Eighteen years ago, I set sail on a 28-day journey from Cape Town to Rio [de Janeiro] with two blind mates and a hearing-impaired skipper. It was then that I experienced this big, beautiful world and realised that I was so small in the universe. I decided to live a full life and stop feeling sorry for myself.
What made you go in for adrenaline-pumping, physically challenging sports?
It started out with me wanting to show the world that I can, but then it came back a full circle, when it became an option to market the abilities of differently-abled people.
I founded an organisation, VisionTree, in 2004 and all the adventurous activities I tackle are to fund it. After I completed a race on a tandem, the organisation was able to put six blind girls through six months of computer training. And the adrenaline rush, of course, is the closest I get to the sensation of sight.
How do you deal with the concerns of family and friends about your well-being?
I care for them, which is why when I'm about to face danger, I surround myself with professionals, like terrain experts. When I broke the land speed record for the second time, I consulted a professional racer in the UK and drove a Mercedes SL65 AMG, which is a safe car.
Adventure sports will always be risky. The element of risk adds to the adventure. My family has always been very supportive. I broke the land speed record two weeks before my wedding, and my wife was there.
When it comes to making decisions, a lot depends on visual input. What system have you developed to aid you in your endeavours?
Most of it comes from feeling. I'm good at picking things up through my senses. I use my gut feeling. And, of course, I make mistakes, but that's why I travel. If you travel across different countries and experience different cultures, it expands your point of view and your frames of reference.
How was your last visit to India?
The last time I was in India, it was for the 1998 blind cricket World Cup in Delhi. I was playing for South Africa and there was huge support from the local crowd because we were up against Pakistan in the final.
Are you a spiritual person?
Yes, very much so. I think I am guided by my spirit. I believe in my instincts. I try to be in balance with my spiritual side.
Tell us about your show 'Bat Magic'.
The main driving force behind the show is to show the lighter side of living in darkness. The show was very well received and when corporate presentations came along, I was able to reuse material. Incidentally, the festival was where I met my wife, Melindi.
As a man who has risen above circumstance, how would you define success?
To use a quote, success is a progressive realisation of a worthwhile dream. But what's important is you have to live the ideal and it will become a reality.
What achievement are you proudest of?
Accepting that I can't see, and I've decided to accept things I can't change, I'm proud of everything that I've achieved so far. One of the best, though, was South Africa's victory at the blind cricket World Cup. But I would say my greatest adventure was marrying my wife.
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