Every Heart Beats True: The Jim Stynes Story
Date Published: {J}
GAA and Aussie Rules star Jim Stynes is no stranger to overcoming extreme tests. For him, a challenge has always been something he would go in search of. Like rising to the top of a sport he never grew up playing. Or leading the oldest club in the AFL back from the brink of extinction. Even uncovering a teenager's gift to the person most blind to it – themselves. Jim chooses challenges.Until 2009. when one chose him.
Sporting icon, inspirational facilitator, author, thriving businessman, philanthropist and family man, the Dubliner holds the record for the playing the most consecutive AFL games, twice named Victorian of The Year and even the Queen has honoured the beloved Aussie Irishman with an Order of Australia Medal, not just for inspiring greatness in young people, but for building The Reach Foundation to foster it.
But Jim's gift was his curse. In Every Heart Beats True: The Jim Stynes Story (RTÉ One tonight, 10.40pm) we learn how a successful lifestyle can become an addiction. And how his way of life spiralled out of control, at a cost to his family and ultimately, his health. How would you live differently, if you were told you only had nine months to live? And what would you be willing to do to stay alive? The answer for Jim? "Whatever it takes."