Cameraman and surfer John “Gordo” Gordon rescued a swimmer from being swept away by ocean waves in Queensland
In Queensland a swimmer was swept away by the waves and was saved by the providential intervention of a surfer. The story took place on the beaches of Fingal Head, washed by the Tasman Sea in the extreme north-east of New South Wales in Australia. While she was swimming, Olivia Titor was overwhelmed by violent waves that sucked her into a narrow angle towards the rocks. The hero who saved the woman, John Gordon, is 61 years old and is a historic surf cameraman and renowned waterman. “It was like doing jujitsu underwater” – says John – “I know the area well and I knew that the corner where the woman had been sucked in is the most dangerous point imaginable, the last place in the world where I would be wanted to go. I looked around her and realized that I had no choice of her, the only one who could save her was me”. Gordon took his surfboard and without thinking twice jumped into the water, faced the undertow and the violence of the waves and managed to get Olivia ashore safe and sound. “I was terrified, then I saw Johnny dive with his surfboard and bravely face the waves” – says Olivia – “He told me to shake his hand, that together we would have done it. And so it was.” Thanks to Gordon’s quick reflexes and courage, Olivia got away with only so much fear and minor injuries to her body. “It’s a blessing.” So both Gordon and Olivia expressed themselves for the outcome of the story. The incident gave Gordo new insight into life after a very difficult time: “Not only did I save Olivia, but I think I saved myself as well. I have a new lease on life now.”
THE TEACHING
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Gordon is known in the world of surfing as an A-series cameraman who has been following surfers in their exploits for twenty years and has left a great lesson to Olivia and the whole world: “The ocean can be a dangerous place where you shouldn’t joke. Don’t hate the ocean though, next time open your eyes and swim somewhere safe.” It is not the first time that a surfer saves a life, a few weeks ago, in fact, still in the waters of Tasmania, a well-known surfer rescued his son overwhelmed by a wave.