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8/04/2009 7:31:15 PM
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No Chain
Posts 31
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This is a sad day today with the tragic news of Mr Dajka's passing away. I am relatively new to cycling and lay no claim to knowing this gentleman in any way. His record as a competing cyclist speaks for itself. To those of you who knew Mr. Dajka, as well as to his friends and family, I extend my sincerest condolences at this sad time. Today as I was driving home there was a traffic report on the radio indicating that there had been a cyclist / motor vehicle collision at Kidman Park, doubtless I will never know a great deal more about it than I do now. It caused me, along with today's other tragic news as just mentioned, to reflect on my own vulnerability ... either on or off the bike. I am sure that over the next few days that many of us will continue to reflect as this sad news sinks in.
edited by No Chain on 8/04/2009
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8/04/2009 7:51:49 PM
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Jason Daniels
Posts 73
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No Chain, I read he died at home? In Paralowie... it looks like your comments suggests he was involved in a traffic accident?
I'm confused now.
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8/04/2009 8:01:22 PM
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No Chain
Posts 31
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Sorry Jason, the incidents are seperate ... what I meant was that we are ALL vulnerable at all times, physically or otherwise. What we do all share though is a love of cycling. That's undisputed.
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8/04/2009 8:29:33 PM
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Brett Aitken
Posts 31
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I would also like to send my condolences to the Dajka family. Jobie was an extremely talented cyclist who won a World Championship and numerous other events in his short career. Although the circumstances of his death are still unclear there is one thing which is certain... A total inadequacy of the Australian Sports Commission and Cycling Australia to provide much needed post sport help and counselling at a time when it was most needed to an athlete in his situation!
And if that's not enough we may just see the same scenario unfold before our eyes with another athlete from swimming in Nick Darcy. One punch cost him a berth in the Olympics, public embarrassment and a **** load of lawyers fees and deservedly so. But what now? Swimming Australia 'allows' him to compete in the qualification swimming trials for the World Championships only to be told he can't do them either after he does all the hard work and proves he's still good enough! That's not a temporary suspension. That's a life sentence!
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9/04/2009 2:59:02 PM
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The Cheez
Posts 23
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Anyone losing the battle with depression is terrible, the fact that Jobie was a cyclist is really irrelevant. I'll be don'ing my pathetic excuse for a moustache again this Movember to help raise awareness of Men's Drepression and support organisations like www.beyondblue.com.au
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9/04/2009 8:57:51 PM
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Robert Rau
Posts 150
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One in five people will need treatment for depression which shows how wide spread the problem is in our community. It is not restricted by economic wealth or cultural background or social status. Stopping Jobie riding would have been a contributing factor in his losing battle, as lack of activity contributes to lack of motivation to just get out there. The hardest battle I found was to stop the "gunna" and just get out there and do it - that part took me two years! All I can say is that Im lucky to still be here, lucky to still have my family who stuck with me. Now my life is enriched and proud of my achievements and ability - compare me to Stu or Brett and Im a crap cyclist but from where I was two years ago - I was nowhere, now Im on my bike enjoying and experiencing each day as a victory....I learned to appreciate the value of life and each day miracles do happen (wish Jobie and Marco Pantani could have seen and experienced this).
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10/04/2009 7:20:49 PM
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Michael Warner
Posts 122
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It's always sad to see the (presumed) fatal effects of depression and drug addiction, but I don't see that any sporting or cycling authorities should be held responsible for Dajka's death - it was just the destructive combination of his talent and personality, hardly unusual among elite athletes.
He was given a rare opportunity to compete at the highest level, no doubt with considerable help from Australian taxpayers (that's us), and seems to have richly deserved his expulsion from the sport, regardless of his results. If we were fired from any regular job for such behaviour, would our ex-employer be blamed if we were unable to learn from our mistakes and get back on our feet? Of course not. People suffering from depression and addiction deserve support and treatment, but it's up to them to seek it, not those whom they've wronged.
Regarding Darcy, IIRC he was allowed to participate in the trials because his conviction had not yet occurred, but it was made clear to him that if convicted, the rules would prevent him from competing at the event. It was therefore his choice to do so based on the (remote) possibility that he'd escape conviction. That said, he's very unlucky that his single punch was so effective.
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11/04/2009 11:06:28 PM
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Robert Rau
Posts 150
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Mike, you made a good point in that we need to assume responsibility for recognising and dealing with our problems, as it is a mistake to blame someone else for our situation. Equally it is a mistake not to see the signs and symptoms of depression in those people that are important to us as the illness is not acknowledged and treatment not being sort. You would be surprised to know how many people you would personally know that are or have been treated for depression - but you would not know until you asked this question. Sometimes it is not until our friends confront us with this issue until we do something positive and seek help. For example it was known that Jobie had a history of depression, but it seems he was left in a deep dark hole once his cycling career was interrupted, perhaps more could have been done, but as we all know the mental health services are over stretched to beyond its limits (I work in public health and see the effects everyday). The answer or solution to this problem lies beyond one level and is certainly beyond victim blaming. Im forever thankful for the support I have had in the past and through cycling have a good network of friends.
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15/07/2009 11:19:01 PM
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Michael Warner
Posts 122
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Speaking of your friends, when are you coming back on Tuesday nights? We need to get a middle group up - just ask Dave Burnett, who's probably still recovering from last night's ride :-)
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29/07/2009 11:30:18 PM
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Robert Rau
Posts 150
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Hi Michael,
Just saw your post tonight as I have at long last been able to log onto a computer with an internet connection here in Indonesia. Still on holiday until mid August then will be back on Tuesday night expresso rides. Havent had a real cuppacino for a month! Looking forward to getting back on the Vitus but probably very unfit as havent ridden regularly in a long time. Thanks again for the post
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