Togetherness aids Lulu Gribbin’s recovery from shark attack

The teammates of the keen volleyball player for Mountainbrook High School, are a valued addition to an already strong support network of family and local community members.

The side won the national school title just over two weeks after Lulu sustained her life-changing injuries but didn’t forget their stricken teammate. All wore purple sweatbands on their wrists, the colour used in the local community to represent their friend’s struggle.

A party thrown by a family friend after Lulu returned home following 77 days in the hospital, was a boon to all when Lulu was the first to get up and dance to ‘Don’t Stop Believing’. Likely one of the first moments Lulu felt like a regular teenager again, but also a precious moment in which friends and family could see for themselves her amazing progress in her recovery.

Yet there were also many members of the sporting community not personally known to Lulu who offered their well-wishes.

US women’s basketball phenom Caitlin Clark posted a message to Lulu stating, “I know you’re a fighter and you’re strong so know that I’m thinking of you”, while 11-time NBA All-Star Charles Barkley, encouraged, “I know you’ve got a lot going on with your body but more with your mind you gotta be strong”.

Olympic swimmer Ryan Murphy sent “positive energy”, from his Paris 2024 training camp before going on to win three medals, one of each colour, in France’s capital.

Additional support was also offered from two women who very much understood what Lulu was going through.

Bethany Hamilton, who became a pro surfer after becoming an amputee following a shark attack in 2003, told Lulu: “After I lost my arm, I woke up in the hospital and I knew that I could have died, like you, and I was so grateful to be alive, and I want you to try to find something every day to feel grateful for, even when you don’t feel like it…”

After offering to connect with Lulu when she felt ready, Hamilton offered a comforting, “you’re going to be okay”.

Meanwhile, Paris 2024 Paralympic Games silver medallist Ali Truwit, also had some valuable advice for Lulu.

“Just over a year ago I lost my foot and part of my leg in a shark attack, too,” said the swimmer. “So, I know first-hand how scary, how painful, and how hard this time is. I also know how much strength it takes to survive… Having lived this first year post attack myself, I know that you are going to go on and show yourself, and so many others, that you are stronger than you might even think.

“You have a beautiful smile and while I know that not every moment will be filled with that gorgeous smile, I do know that the power of a smile and the ability to smile in trying times like these is a tell-tale sign to me that you are going to get through this and going to go on and live a full and happy life.”

Other sports stars Lulu heard from included that man Shauffele, who takes to the course for the 2024 Presidents Cup on 26 September, and who was also part of the team that won the previous edition in 2022.

“Hi Lulu, this is Xander Schauffele. Just wanted to reach out and show my support. I heard you’ve taken a liking to golf. I’m very sorry to hear what happened and I hope your recovery is going smooth, all the rehab’s going smooth and just wanted to wish you the best of luck in all your endeavours.”

Bubba Watson and Justin Thomas, both two-time major winners, also took to social media to offer their support, with the latter saying: “I’m very excited for you to get back and playing some golf and hopefully come to some tournaments soon, where we can meet and get together… all the best and we’ll see you down the road.”

We can imagine Thomas didn’t think it would be quite so soon that Lulu would be back on the golf course, but, ever the competitor, Lulu was on the driving range, coached by Chris Biggins, one of the top adaptive golfers in the world and golf pro at the Country Club of Birmingham, two-and-a-half months after Thomas sent the message.

A comment from Watson on the social media post showing Lulu’s wicked swing, in which she launched the ball skyward before smiling to herself as she lined up the next shot, said it all: “Woweee.”