Chris was born in Manly, a vibrant and fashionable beachside suburb renowned for its stunning coastal scenery and lively atmosphere, situated on the northern coast of one of the most cosmopolitan and iconic cities globally, Sydney.
Chris' life was about to take a significant turn, as his family was on the cusp of embarking on a new adventure, one that would forever alter the trajectory of his young existence. It was mere weeks before his 4th birthday, and his family was preparing to bid farewell to their current abode, leaving behind the familiar surroundings of their hometown. The destination, a tropical paradise, beckoned, promising a life of sun-kissed days and balmy nights. Cairns, a small yet vibrant tourist town, nestled in the far north regions of Queensland, was to become their new home.
Cairns, a place of breathtaking beauty, is renowned for its stunning beaches and islands, where the turquoise waters lap gently against the shore. The town is also home to untouched rainforests, their ancient trees stretching towards the sky like giant sentinels. The air is filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the sounds of exotic birdsong echo through the valleys. Spectacular waterfalls cascade down rugged cliffs, creating misty veils that dance in the sunlight.
However, Cairns is not just a haven of natural beauty; it is also a place of awe-inspiring wonder. Large saltwater crocodiles, the largest reptiles on earth, roam the waters and mangrove forests, their powerful tails slapping the surface as they patrol their domain. And then, there is the Great Barrier Reef, one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet. Stretching over 2,300 kilometers, this natural wonder is home to an incredible array of marine life, including corals, fish, turtles, and even sharks.
As Chris' family settled into their new home, they were surrounded by the sights and sounds of this tropical paradise. The Great Barrier Reef, with its vibrant colors and teeming marine life, was a constant reminder of the wonders that lay just beyond their doorstep. It was a place where Chris would spend countless hours exploring, learning, and growing, shaping his young mind and heart in ways he could hardly imagine.
Chris demonstrated exceptional athletic prowess from a young age, showcasing remarkable versatility in a multitude of sports. His most notable accomplishments were in the realm of soccer, cricket, and track and field, where he consistently pushed the boundaries of human performance.
Within the realm of track and field, Chris left an indelible mark, setting numerous records that have endured for nearly two decades. His impressive repertoire of events included the 110 meter hurdles, where he consistently demonstrated lightning-quick speed and agility. He also excelled in sprint events, such as the 100, 200, and 400 meter dashes, showcasing his explosive power and rapid acceleration.
In addition to his sprinting prowess, Chris also displayed remarkable endurance, setting records in middle-distance events like the 800 and 1500 meters. Perhaps most remarkably, he achieved outstanding results in longer distance events, including the 5k and 10k marathons, which remain unbroken to this day.
As Chris transitioned into the latter stages of adolescence, he abandoned his trusty running shoes in favor of the perpetual allure of motorcycles, a lifelong fascination that would soon become an integral part of his identity.
After completing his formal education, Chris engaged in a series of part-time occupations to support himself, ultimately utilizing his earnings to acquire an older model Honda CBR 600, a machine that would serve as his primary means of learning the art of motorcycle riding.
At the behest of his fellow riders, Chris began participating in roadracing events shortly after his graduation, a decision that would ultimately lead to a string of podium finishes, as well as a healthy dose of broken bones.
As Chris accumulated experience and expertise, his success on the track grew, with wins becoming a regular occurrence, and, unfortunately, so did the frequency of his injuries.
In due course, Chris's international ambitions led him to expand his racing repertoire, with the United States becoming a new and exciting destination for his competitive endeavors.
Chris's most significant and devastating crash to date occurred in 1999 at the renowned Daytona International Speedway, where he was leading the 600 Supersport race when disaster struck. As he exited turn six at a staggering speed of over 115 miles per hour, his motorcycle suddenly lost control, sending him flying high into the air and crashing onto a wheelchair. The severity of the impact left Chris unable to walk for a staggering four months, and even after regaining mobility, he was forced to keep off his feet for a further two months.
Despite this setback, Chris has proven himself to be a skilled and accomplished rider, able to navigate any two-wheeled vehicle with ease. However, his talents don't stop there. When he's not racing abroad, Chris can be found behind the wheel of a V8 Supercar, honing his skills and showcasing his versatility as a driver.
For the past decade, Chris has concurrently pursued a career as a freelance moto-journalist, contributing to a multitude of reputable automotive online and print publications, while also sharing his expertise as an instructor at various motorcycle racing schools, where he imparts his knowledge to students, guiding them in the art of riding at an accelerated pace.
Chris's journey into the world of stunts began in 2007, when he stumbled upon a driving stunt show featuring motorcycles and cars during his holiday at Walt Disney World in Florida. This serendipitous encounter led him to submit his resume and subsequently audition for Disney's "Lights, Motors, Action" Extreme Stunt Show, where he was ultimately hired and kick-started his career.
The following year, Chris's star began to rise as he doubled the lead in the film "Beethoven's Big Break", landed several notable Toyota commercials, and embarked on a promising trajectory. His growing reputation and expertise in the stunt world paved the way for further opportunities.
In 2010, Chris made the bold decision to relocate to Los Angeles, a hub for the film and television industry, in order to accelerate his pursuit of a career in stunts. He auditioned for the "Waterworld" stunt show at Universal Studios, and his exceptional skills earned him a coveted spot among the three new hires selected from a pool of over 300 aspiring stunt performers. Notably, Chris was the sole jet skier among his peers, a testament to his unique abilities and dedication to his craft.
