New Zealand elite triathlete Tony Dodds gives a personal account of the tragic earthquake in Christchurch.
So much has happened this week after the massive earthquake in Christchurch where I have been training for the summer.
Before it struck I had decided to go back down to Wanaka to catch up with my mate who had come over from Perth for a few days. I was supposed to be heading back the day after the quake but heard the news and couldn’t believe it!
The whole city is a mess. The main CBD is destroyed and it’s just devastating. Our flat was near the centre city and is a mess apparently. My flatmate rang to tell me she was ok, it took a while to find the other flattie Harrison but he is all good as well.
The flat has some damage and my room is a mess so Penny said. TV smashed, cupboards everywhere, the food fell out of the fridge and cracked windows. Thankfully I wasn’t there.
I am feeling for everyone in Canterbury right now, they have all pulled together and are helping each other out.
All the triathletes are now down in Wanaka to train as the roads are not safe nor can they ride on them. Our house and the Snow Farm will be where everyone is staying and we are trying to do as much as we can.
Dylan McNeice had an amazing story while out running and having just seen a whole cliff face fall into the sea he put his hands on his head in disbelief. Then he ran a bit more and saw the rock face in Sumner crash on top of a house right in front of his eyes.
He said he couldn’t believe it. He is still at home at the moment helping out cleaning up, then will be on his way back down to Wanaka where he can hopefully get back to his training regime, and try put aside for a bit what has happened which is not likely as it is so devastating to watch.
For me now, I’m staying in Wanaka for a while. I will try to get back and get my stuff from the flat at some stage and clean up but just not sure when.
Have faith, and let’s continue to hope and pray for all those in Christchurch.
