Danish Olympic sailing gold medalist Martin Kirketerp faced two extraordinary and terrifying experiences within months of each other. First, while assisting a winning team in Singapore, lightning struck his boat, sending a jolt of electricity through his body. Kirketerp described the feeling as unlike any shock he'd experienced before, saying it felt like his body was being torn apart, though thankfully, it was brief. Months later, during another race, a pod of orcas, two adults and a calf, approached his boat. They began interacting with the rudder, causing the boat to shake violently. While fascinated by the majestic creatures, Kirketerp feared the rudder would break. Despite these harrowing events, he remains undeterred, acknowledging the inherent risks of his sport but recognizing these incidents as highly unusual.
Jonas Warrer and Martin Kirketerp Ibsen of Denmark during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. (Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Martin Kirketerp Ibsen and Jonas Warrer celebrate their gold medal win at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. (Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
Martin Kirketerp Ibsen and Jonas Warrer with their gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. (Clive Mason/Getty Images)
