Reaching for the Stars - The Story of George Platt

George was born with a heart defect (congenital heart defect [CHD]). Due to my congenital condition, I needed a transposition of the great arteries (TGA) shortly after I was born, which thankfully went well. I am now 26 years old. 

He’s been lucky to not really have any complications or operations since, apart from a cardiac catheterization. 

Throughout his life, George has always been very active and involved in sports/exercise. He believes everyone should take care of themselves in order to stay healthy and make use of the body they’re given. For him, it’s a bit more mandatory in terms of staying healthy! 

George was told by the hospital to stop participating in contact sports in his mid-teens, so when he turned 17 he started resistance training as another outlet for his energy. Resistance training specifically has really helped to strengthen his muscles, including his heart, and he seriously recommends it alongside cardiovascular activity for anyone with heart-related conditions. Not to mention the mental skills resistance training has helped me to build; including dedication, resilience, and patience. 

George’s love for exercise has shaped his life so far. He went to college to study a degree in sports development and has worked as a personal trainer ever since. In September, George starts a career as a Firefighter which is something he’s has been striving towards for a very long time. Someone with a CHD wouldn’t imagine being a firefighter, but George is unique. He believes conditions like his should never hold you back from achieving your dreams.

If there’s anybody out there reading this who has a heart condition, has a child who has been born with one, or knows anyone who has one; George’s key message would be to support that person in finding some passion within fitness. 

It doesn’t have to be as a job, it can simply be a hobby - a part of daily life. George learned that his body is far more capable than the preconceived expectations. To him, limits are just goals... it’s by striving to be the best you can be despite being against the odds, which has helped him manage to surpass expectations so far. 

In the words of George Platt,

“The limit you believe you can reach is likely true, whether you’re a settler or a reacher. So reach for the stars.”