From bionic beginnings, these Lucky Fins are putting limb difference on the global stage
31st October 2023
31st October 2023
Lucky fins on opposite sides of the world have had once-in-a-lifetime events happening this month sending ripples of affirmations around the world – regardless of your difference, every kid should dream big.
From leading the walkout at the Rugby World Cup, to landing a juicy role in the latest Hunger Games movie, we’ve been cheering from the sidelines as two Hero Arm users put limb difference on the global stage.
We met Jacob three years ago when he was fitted with his first Hero Arm. Back then he wanted a bionic arm to do delicate activities that require a pinch grip and day-to-day two-handed tasks. Jacob had a chance to visit our HQ in the UK where he got to see how his Hero Arm was 3D printed.
Around the same time Jacob received his Hero Arm, he was literally throwing himself into his passion, rugby “I just love tackling! Not something you get the chance to do in football’ commented Jacob in a recent interview for Land Rover’s Rugby Trailblazers shortlist.
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They didn’t know I was listening or that I was his mum, but I heard them say that kid is really good. They sounded shocked. Like they weren’t expecting him to be as good as he was. I thought that was funny
”
In the same interview, Jacob’s mum commented about the stigma that still surrounds children with limb differences (or as we like to call them Lucky Fins) “Jacob’s mother recalled overhearing parents at a game discussing her son ‘They didn’t know I was listening or that I was his mum, but I heard them say that kid is really good. They sounded shocked. Like they weren’t expecting him to be as good as he was. I thought that was funny’.”
Fast-forward 4 years, and Jacob’s passion has brought him to the global stage. Not only has he been chosen as the main Trailblazer to watch in Rugby (you may have seen him on bus stop posters and billboards to promote the World Cup), but he also led the walkout at the New Zealand vs South Africa World Cup Final watched by millions of people around the world.
Spin the globe now to Australia, where Knox Gibson is no stranger to delighting international TV audiences.
Knox was fitted with a Hero Arm early 2022, and has been documenting his journey on instagram @captain_knoxie.
In 2022, Knox made his TV debut with Forgive Us Our Trespasses on Netflix, and just hot off the press, Knox has landed a role in the latest Hunger Games prequel movie coming out in November as Bobbin, a male tribute from District 8.
Here at Open Bionics we know limb differences make no difference, and it’s awesome to see Hero Arm users reaching for the stars and making their dreams come true through awesome talent and skills.
Wanna try out the Hero Arm? Register to book a free trial.
