“I’ll have to go back for another go next year,” Grey Lynn firefighter Jacson Kluts told me after a meritorious second place in the climb up the Sydney Tower. He finished in 11 minutes 49 seconds, just six seconds behind the winner.
That’s third last year and now second - hence Jacson’s pledge to return next year. Second out of 600 climbers is a fantastic effort.
When I spoke to him on Sunday after the event he admitted to sore legs, but was otherwise fine and was very relaxed enjoying a couple of days' break with his family before coming back to work.
His family (wife Dominique, Lilia, Addison and baby India) were all with him, but as he explained “it’s not really a spectator sport.” However, the finish was live streamed and four-year-old Lilia was able to cheer her father over the line.
There were about 20 Kiwis competing.
Jacson enjoyed the after party, and proudly received his second -place medal. He has invited the winner over to New Zealand in May to compete in the Auckland Sky Tower challenge and he has promised to come.
A highlight for Jacson was taking the naming rights of Level 62 for his late father who died earlier this year from motor neurone disease at age 62. He had been bed-ridden for the last six months of his life, so this cause is very close to Jacson’s heart.
So now Jacson will have no rest. He must prepare to carry the 20kg kit up the Sky Tower in May, and beat his Aussie rival this time around.
Congratulations, Jacson, you did us proud. (JOHN ELLIOTT)