Nick Pelios
Freediver, Creator
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Nick Pelios
Freediver, Creator
Freediving, a sport that tests the limits of human endurance and resilience, has produced countless tales of courage and determination. One such story is that of Gary McGrath, a deep freediver who embarked on a remarkable journey to compete at the prestigious Vertical Blue freediving competition in The Bahamas. What sets Gary's story apart is not just his passion for the sport but also the incredible crowdfunding campaign that made his dream a reality.
The Vertical Blue freediving competition is often regarded as the Wimbledon of the freediving world. Held at the legendary Dean's Blue Hole in The Bahamas and hosted by the renowned William Trubridge, this event is the pinnacle of the sport. For Gary, the journey towards Vertical Blue began around Christmas in 2021, when he decided it was time to make his mark as a hundred-plus-meter diver. "I belonged at VB," Gary recalls. "I finally felt like a true contender. I realized that if I didn't take this opportunity now, when would I? So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and make it happen." But making it happen was easier said than done. The costs associated with participating in a competition of this caliber were substantial, and Gary found himself facing a daunting financial challenge.
Photo by Daan Verhoeven
Determined not to let financial constraints stand in his way, Gary began exploring various avenues to fund his Vertical Blue journey. Initially hesitant to ask for help, he toyed with selling online courses and training sessions to repay his supporters. However, a conversation with a friend, Dan Verhoeven, changed his perspective. Dan pointed out that Gary would essentially be "borrowing money from himself" and would have to work tirelessly to pay back his supporters. This realization led Gary to embrace the idea of crowdfunding, where his gift to those who supported him would be their presence on his extraordinary journey.
Gary's journey to Vertical Blue was not just about raising funds but also about connecting with people who shared his passion for freediving. He decided to leverage social media to share his story, engage with supporters, and offer them a glimpse into the world of deep freediving. As Gary said, "The feedback I got and the connection with people were what took me through VB. I felt like I had the world behind me, and it was a wonderful feeling." One of the most heartwarming aspects of his crowdfunding campaign was the generosity of individuals who contributed modest amounts. Gary recalls a memorable donation of just five pounds, emphasizing that the thought and effort behind such gestures truly touched him.
Photo by Daan Verhoeven
Gary's journey to Vertical Blue was not just a triumph over financial hurdles but also a lesson in accepting help from others. He admitted to having a complex relationship with money, which made the decision to start the crowdfunding campaign a personal battle. However, once he took that leap of faith and shared his campaign, the response was overwhelming. "People gave me this, and I didn't even know who they were," says Gary. "It was anonymous generosity, and it warmed my heart." Gary McGrath's incredible journey to Vertical Blue serves as a testament to the power of passion, community, and the human spirit. His story is a reminder that with determination, the support of a community, and a willingness to accept help, dreams can become reality. Gary's experience not only propelled him to new depths in freediving but also touched the hearts of those who supported him on his remarkable journey.
