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Jim
O'Neal
Born: January 5, 1973
Background: Photographer Serious Traveler, Ironman Triathlete,
Diver, Skier, Mountain Biker, Sea Kayaker, Backpacker,
Formerly Director Partnership Marketing, US Airways |
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As I see it, life is
an evolution. Everyday
we are met with new experiences, new challenges, new opportunities.
Each experience shapes who we are and plays a role in directing
our future course. My evolution is 32 years in the making.
Here are some of the experiences that have shaped who I am:
Age 5: Fell in a ditch and found myself neck deep in stagnant,
muddy water filled with frogs, snakes, turtles and bugs.
Learned that I like playing in the mud.
Age 11: Went to summer camp and decided
not to take a shower for two weeks. Learned that I like being
dirty.
Age 14: Organized exploratory expedition to chart sewer
system under my neighborhood. Learned that city already knew
about sewer system. Also learned I love exploring new and
exotic places – even those that have already been discovered.
Age 15: Attempted
to break world land speed record on road bike descending
steep mountain. At over 50 mph lost control, flew 30’,
hit a concrete gully and broke some bones, cracked my head
open, tore off some skin and shredded a perfectly good bike.
Learned it’s unlikely I'm going to
break the WLSR on my bike.
Age 21: While
backcountry skiing, caught the edge of my ski on an exposed
rock and fell 500' down a 55° chute.
Learned, well, I'm not exactly sure what.
Age 23: Accepted
marketing position with an airline and was given free wings
(no, not the plastic kind you get as a kid. Budget cuts eliminated
those years ago). Spent ten years exploring every corner
of the earth I could catch a flight to. Solidified my passion
for global exploration.
Age 25: Married my
soul mate. Someone as deeply passionate as me about living
life to the fullest and exploring every corner of this planet.
Made pact that we'd never let
a year go by in which we didn't explore somewhere new.
Age 29: Conducted
three week overland expedition to Ethiopia's
Omo Valley. Heightened awareness of the challenges facing
some of Africa's poorest nations. Developed interest
in overlanding.
Age 30: Raised money for charity through running Boston
Marathon. Discovered viable means to raise funds for those
in need.
Age 31: Finished my first Ironman Triathlon.
Reaffirmed anything is possible.
These experiences represent
the tip of my iceberg. They've
helped shape my deep love of adventure, of the outdoors,
of travel, and of diverse cultures, landscapes, and wildlife.
More so, they have fostered a passion for life and for seeking
out new challenges and for experiencing new things. This
expedition is the next chapter in my evolution. |
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