28/05/2026
What started as a normal workout for Neal quickly turned into a life threatening emergency.
Last month, Neal suddenly collapsed in the middle of the gym floor. At first, he was unconscious and struggling to breathe. Moments later, he stopped breathing altogether.
Within seconds, Senior Fitness Coach Nat was first on scene, followed closely by Operations staff Aarya, Jenaya, Jenni and Will. The team immediately began CPR while emergency services rushed to the centre.
Three rounds of CPR and a shock from the defibrillator followed.
Finally, Neal started breathing again.
Paramedics later confirmed Neal had suffered a major heart attack and told staff that their speed, teamwork and response had saved his life.
The reality is, the outcome could have been very different. Neal and his wife had originally planned to be away on holiday, but instead he spent that day at the ARC, surrounded by people trained to act when it mattered most.
Neal was released from hospital just days later in remarkably good health, with no long term complications.
Not long after, Neal walked back through the ARC doors to personally thank the team who helped bring him home to his family. He is now preparing to return to training and even looking at coming in for a swim this weekend.
Every second matters in these situations, and our team stepped up to the plate that day. Massive shoutout to Nat, Aarya, Jenaya, Jenni, Will and everyone involved for their swift and calm response!
