Achmat Hassiem, “Sharkboy”, is an Olympic swimmer, motivator, overcomer and advocate for the very animal that almost took his life – the Great White Shark. His story is one of hope, bravery, honour, victory in the face of defeat, heroism, sacrifice and so much more.

Hassiem lost part of his right his leg in 2006 when a great white shark attacked him in the waters off of Cape Town, South Africa. After the accident, Hassiem started swimming at the Sports Science Institute of South Africa and went on to compete in the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing and the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London.

Hassiem is one of South Africa's bright changemakers and he has the ability and determination to influence things for the better, not only with his sport, but with the way he lives his life. He is all about giving back and making the world a better place. He is also part of the United Nations’s World Sports Values Summit for Peace.

Sharks, Environment, Swimming & Diving, Athlete, Animals & Wildlife, Overcoming Adversity, Olympic Athlete, Motivational,