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Australian assistance gives Tom Kalmet a prosthetic leg
24 February 2006
The disabled athlete Tom Kalmet usually walks around Port Vila with crutches and his long trousers rolled up around his right leg. But last Saturday he returned from Brisbane, Australia, walking on his new Morden prosthetic leg, using only a walking stick.
Tom has been a disabled athlete for many years, competing in a variety of sports including discuss, shot-put and weightlifting. He has won many medals at numerous national and international meets. In all his competitions, he has used his crutches to sprint, balance and for support.
Tom has always wanted to have a prosthetic leg and VASANOC was supportive of the idea but was wondering where they could find the financial support to make it happen. The Australian Sports Commission jumped in and pledged financial support to make the new leg. In addition, Barry Leech from Barry Leech Prosthetics & Orthics in Brisbane was willing to make Tom a properly fitted prosthetic leg for athletics competition.
Then six months ago a “good samaritan” was found who helped it all come together. After bumping into Tom along the street in Port Vila Jean-Michel Russet agreed to sponsor Tom’s return ticket to Australia and allowances.
So with the assistance of the Australian High Commission working to coordinate it all, everyone’s offers were combined to get Tom to Brisbane. Jean-Michel helped Tom get his ticket to Australia, Barry Leech gave a week of his time to making and fitting Tom’s new leg, and the Australian Sports Commission agreed to pay for all materials for Tom’s new leg.
From 11-18 February 2006 Tom stayed with Barry and his family in Brisbane, where Barry used his advance engineering components to make two prosthetic legs for Tom. One leg is for walking everyday and the other for athletics competition. The competition leg is only one of three in the world, and includes an air pump system which gives spring to the wearer plus a unique system for how the leg attaches to Tom’s thigh.
Following the completion and fitting of the prosthetic leg, Barry Leech, whose family provided accommodation for Tom during his weeklong stay in Brisbane, said he thought that Tom was “close to a miracle”. Barry had never seen anyone walk so quickly on a prosthetic leg - Tom was walking around within two days and as yet has not taken a tumble. Tom’s determination and athleticism have helped him immensely over the last week.
The Australian High Commissioner, John Pilbeam was very pleased that things could work out for Tom. Speaking during a thankyou ceremony at the High Commission, Mr Pilbeam said the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games carries the inclusive theme “Equal First”. “The Commonwealth Games are not only aimed at young and strong athletes but also seniors, indigenous groups, people with a disability and ethnic groups”, he said. “Competitions for disabled athletes are held alongside other events as part of the inclusive Commonwealth Games.”
Tom will compete proudly as one of Vanuatu’s athletes in next month’s Commonwealth Games in Melbourne - Tom’s events are discus and weightlifting. And everyone will know that Tom is representing Vanuatu as his competition leg has the Vanuatu flag emblazoned on the top.
Tom has a hard few weeks training ahead of him getting but we are sure he will put in a great performance. Good luck!