Calls are growing for marathon runner Nedd Brockmann to be crowned Australian of the Year for 2023.
The Aussie legend has just finished running a jaw-dropping 4,000km (2485 miles) in 46 days from Perth's Cottesloe Beach to Sydney's Bondi to raise money for homelessness.
So far, the real-life Forrest Gump has raised AUD$1.5 million (USD $943,980 or £831,169) and all the proceeds are going to the We Are Mobilise charity.
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He's pulled off a Herculean effort, so it’s no surprise many are calling for the 23-year-old to be awarded one of the highest honours in Australia.
Sports journalist Robert Craddock wrote to Twitter: “Thousands greeting Nedd Brockman as he wends his way to Bondi after his 4000km run across Australia. Has there been a greater feat of human endurance by an Australian? All for the homeless. Raised $1.5 million. Australian of the year?”
Another fan wrote: “Nedd Brockmann. Australian of the Year.”
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While a third shared: “Never mind by an Australian, has there been a greater feat of endurance by anyone? Nedd's the hero of a generation. He's completed something no one else would even begin to consider.”
Brockmann even got the blessing from Dylan Alcott, who is the Australian of the Year for 2022.
He wrote: "Nedd Brockmann has real Australian of the Year vibes about him. What an incredible effort. Makes me want to learn how to run. You deserve that sleep in tomorrow brother!!!"
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According to Fox Sports, Brockmann celebrated finishing his run by popping a bottle of sparkling and participating in a shooey.
The young athlete initially hoped to defeat the all-time record that was set by German marathon runner Achim Heukemes, who completed the journey across Australia in 43 days back in 2005.
However, after sustaining an injury on day 12, Brockmann decided to cut down on his run as his ankle proceeded to swell up, making it difficult for him to move his toes.
“We strapped it like buggery and I banged out the 100 km (62 miles) pretty late into the night,” Brockmann shared to Instagram.
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A scan also revealed that the runner had damaged his leg due to overuse, with doctors recommending that he rest for six weeks.
However, Brockmann instead opted for cortisone injections and kept running.
Things went from bad to worse for the bloke.
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He experienced maggots growing in his toes, grim weather conditions and a hip dysplasia scare.
But Brockmann kept his sunny disposition in even some of the most gruelling circumstances.
It’s safe to say he's an absolute shoo-in for a nomination, at the very least.
If you’d like to donate to Brockmann’s cause, head here.
Featured Image Credit: nedd.brockmann/InstagramTopics: News, Good News, Australia, Sport
