Sean Carlow Overcomes Adversity to Claim Third National Title
Susan D. Russell, International Figure Skating
December, 2007

After skating his heart out last March at the 2007 World Championships in Japan and earning a new personal best in the short program, Sean Carlow returned home determined to work even harder.

But a week later his life was turned upside down when a quiet moonlight cruise on Sydney Harbour turned into a maritime tragedy. For reasons still undetermined, a government-owned ferry ploughed into the boat owned by Carlow’s parents, claiming four lives and causing his mother and coach, Elizabeth Cain, to have part of her left leg amputated.

The young Aussie, hailed as a hero for saving his mother’s life that fateful night, is still in disbelief that none of his treasured family members perished in the accident. “I was extremely fortunate not to lose anyone in my family as my mum and dad [Cain and Peter Lynch], my little brother Orion [Lynch] and my grandmother [Eva Cain] were all on the boat that night,” Carlow said.

The tragedy devastated Carlow, who privately doubted he would ever compete again. “The reason I didn’t want to skate initially was because I didn’t know if my mum would be okay and whether she would be with me at the barrier anymore in practice or competitions,” he said. “But the day she was able to come to the rink and I knew that she was going to be okay was the day I decided that I was definitely going to continue.

“She really knows what makes me tick and how to motivate me and keep me positive. We work as a team and [during this crisis] we motivated each other to get back to the rink and get back to business.”

Carlow claimed his third national title in August, a mere six weeks after returning to the ice following the accident. “My first goal was to be able to walk through the front door of the rink and get on the ice, my comfort zone, and then rely on my technique, my love of competing and performing. But most of all, knowing my mother was at the boards,” he said.

“I felt immense sadness [at nationals]. It was very difficult not seeing Morgan [Innes] at the rink and Simone [Moore] and Alan [Blinn] on the judging panel as I have my whole skating career. This year so far has been an incredible learning experience and a roller coaster of emotions.” All three friends perished in the boating accident.

Carlow described his mother as an extremely determined person who has always been his tower of strength. “I am so grateful she is still with me to give me direction and help me keep a positive attitude about everything I want to achieve in my life,” he said. “Her determination fills me with pride and inspiration.”

At nationals, the tears flowed after Carlow won the short and the situation became even more emotional when, on the eve of the long, he announced he was dedicating his free skate to the memories of Moore, Blinn and Innes.

“I was crying through a lot of it,” Peter Lynch said. “Seeing Liz at the boards keeping Sean and Phoebe [Di Tommaso] focused. Then seeing the results and reflecting on the fact that it’s a miracle Liz is alive, hobbling about on a prosthetic leg with a cane. She continues to inspire us all to go on. She is just amazing.”

Following the accident Di Tommaso, who is also coached by Cain, fell into a very dark emotional space, Peter Lynch said. “She has had to really dig deep to get herself back up to speed. We are very proud of what she has accomplished.” Di Tommaso placed fourth at the 2008 national championships.

Carlow said his family members were overwhelmed by the support they received following the tragedy.

“I want to thank everyone for their friendship, kindness, generosity and support,” he said. “And thanks to my mates and their families in the skating community around the world for being there. Your prayers and support have saved us and we are so grateful.”