AS he slips on the green blazer with the Australian coat of arms on the pocket, Rod Marshdale is also wearing a range of emotions.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
"I get goosebumps," the East Maitland athlete says. "It's something I feel deep inside; it's pride, it's gratitude, and it's enjoyment."
The pride and enjoyment are related to him being selected to represent Australia at the World Transplant Games at Newcastle-Gateshead, England, in August.
The gratitude is due to Rod Marshdale being able to compete at all. He is grateful to be alive.
The 48-year-old was born with cystic fibrosis, a condition that affects the lungs and digestive system and often leads to an early death.
In 2015, he was given a new chance at life, receiving a double lung transplant.
Ever since, Rod Marshdale has been making the most of those lungs, competing in marathons and triathlons.
At the 2019 World Transplant Games, Mr Marshdale will participate in swimming, cycling and discus events. This is his second World Transplant Games. He competed in Spain two years ago.
"When I check the board and I see my name with all the different countries listed, it's just amazing," he says.
Chris Thomas, the CEO of Transplant Australia and president of the World Transplant Games Federation, travelled to the Hunter on Wednesday to meet up with Rod Marshdale.
Mr Thomas says the games will attract competitors aged from under five to over 80 from about 70 countries.
"For this week in England, everyone is joined by this one common bond, and they get to celebrate their renewed life," he says.
The number of organ donors in Australia has more than doubled in the past decade. Chris Thomas says the World Transplant Games, and the determination of participants such as Rod Marshdale, provide a "tangible reason" to register as a donor.
"They are living proof of the necessity of everybody to register," he says.
When he competes in the cycling events, Rod Marshdale will have a part of the Hunter close to his chest. The cycling team's kit has been bought by local firm Quarry Mining, which is run by Kari Armitage, a supporter and friend of Mr Marshdale.
Kari Armitage says the games celebrate not just life, but a quality of life, "so I'm pleased I can contribute to that next stage".
The Australian team manager is Margaret Hill, from Heddon Greta. The widow of a kidney transplant recipient, Mrs Hill says among her duties will be to keep an eye on Mr Marshdale.
"The Mum side comes out," she says. "But he was all right in Spain."
Mr Marshdale is hopeful of stepping onto the medal dais, but simply "to represent Australia is incredible".