A.I.D.S. Gets Run For Its Money (Press, 6 February 1989)
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Summary: A.I.D.S. Gets Run For Its Money (Press, 6 February 1989)
In Auckland, sprinter Paul Gestro has been living with the H.I.V. virus for over four years but remains determined and ambitious regarding his athletic pursuits. Despite his diagnosis, the 30-year-old Epsom resident continues to train vigorously and is eyeing a spot on New Zealand’s Commonwealth Games team for 1990. Having spent much of the 1980s abroad, Gestro said he is largely unknown in the local athletics community but believes his rigorous training regimen—which includes daily weight lifting, running, and swimming—will prepare him for competition in the 100 m or 200 m events next year. Unemployed and straightforward about his condition, Gestro states that he experiences no more sick days than the average person and expresses frustration over the sympathy he receives, which he feels is unwarranted. He candidly shares that the stigma associated with the term AIDS affects him more than the disease itself. While he does not hide his diagnosis, he acknowledges his concerns regarding how his friends, particularly those on his thirds grade rugby league team, might react to the news. Gestro's journey with H.I.V. began in 1984 when he tested positive. At the time, living in Sydney with a partner, he reacted calmly to the diagnosis, not feeling surprised or disappointed, and resolved not to let it derail his life. Although he identifies as heterosexual, he associates his infection with a homosexual encounter he had at 18, yet he claims not to harbour bitterness about it. In the years following his diagnosis, Gestro initially kept his H.I.V. status private but now openly shares his experience and aims to educate younger generations about the virus. His story reflects resilience and a proactive approach to both his health and athletic aspirations, highlighting a commitment to continue pursuing his passion for sport despite the challenges posed by his condition.
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