Con Barrell
Age 3I New Zealand 'All Black', with Chronic Asthma and severe 'Exercise Induced Asthma' (EIA)

Rugby player Con Barrell suffered from chronic asthma and Exercise Induced Asthma. During a game Con carried an inhaler in the top of his sock, and would often use it in breaks of play. Even when having a match relatively free of asthma he would use the inhaler at least once every four minutes.

Con found the constant use of an inhaler annoying, however, the real problem was the effect of other minor illnesses on his condition. Whilst on high doses of preventer medication, a cold would be very hard for Con to get over, dramatically effecting his ability to train. Periodically, he would also suffer from very poor control over his asthma, making his training even harder.

Asthma has been Con's long-time, unwelcome companion. His rugby successes are a tribute to his outstanding dedication and determination. Con discovered Buteyko days before he was due to play in South Africa in May 1997. Con's family saw Buteyko on the television, and suggested to Con that he talk to the local practitioner. As a result Con spent four days learning the technique prior to his trip to South Africa.

Con was able to master the method well enough to make an enormous difference to his game in South Africa. Even whilst playing at altitude opposite the formidable South African prop Os du Randt, he used ventolin once only, and felt incredibly well. He was able to play the full game, something that he had struggled to do previously on the high veldt. With control over his asthma, Con was able to achieve the consistency in his play that had often eluded him. This earned Con a place on the subsequent 'All Blacks' 1997 tour of South Africa, fulfilling a dream that looked likely to only remain a dream before he learned the Buteyko method.

Con's comment six months after learning the Buteyko Technique:

"I still take a preventer regularly but simply do no need so much reliever. I have not had prednisone since learning Buteyko. I sleep better, my pulse rate has dropped 10-12 beats on a regular basis, and I feel well. Buteyko has made a huge difference to my rugby. I can prepare and play without worrying that asthma will prevent me from playing to my full potential".