There are few people who understand the consequences of a single decision better than Brad Hardman.
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At 15, the promising young Penrith Panthers junior jumped into a car with a bunch of mates to go for a joyride with an unlicensed driver.
The boys reached speeds of up to 200km/h before slamming into a power pole with such force that the car was cleaved in two.
Brad lost half of his left leg in the impact- his friend sitting next to him lost his life.
He spent the next few months in hospital recovering from various broken bones and re-learning how to walk with a prosthetic leg, knowing his football career was over.
“I went through a bad state,” Brad said.
“For many years I was just drinking and fighting, until one day I realised I was either going to end up dead or in jail.”
It was at this point Brad made another decision- this time with positive consequences.
Enrolling in TAFE, Brad threw himself into youth work and decided to do something with his life.
The Aboriginal father of two is now a youth worker, and more likely to be seen in a gym than a pub.
He uses his experience to connect with young boys going down the path he once walked, and currently works at a gym where he trains several young fighters.
Brad has also been around the ring himself, and is coached by none other than legendary trainer Johnny Lewis.
Next Saturday will see Brad step back into the ring for his first match in recent times, right here in Cootamundra.
It will be his first time out west and he is also taking the opportunity while here to speak at Cootamundra High School on the Friday before the fight.
He will share his story, answer questions and encourage students to surround themselves with positive people.
“For me boxing is a bonus, I want to say if I can do it so can you,” Brad said.
“I’ve been at the bottom of the barrel and I want to encourage people just to take it day by day, to see what they can do tomorrow.”
Brad says his journey to recovery started with him just stepping off the lounge and out of the house.
“All you have to do is turn up tomorrow and the next day.
“One kid I coach has taken eight months to get into the ring- but eight months ago everyone said he would never be there.”
You can catch Brad in action at Cootamundra Town Hall on Saturday May 30 before Joe Williams takes on Ben Warburton for the interim WBA Oceania title.
