By MATT SUN

November 1, 2003

THE man who broke his wrist, nose and tooth riding a mountain bike off the top of a 5m-tall toilet block – after setting himself on fire – has labelled his stunt "stupid".

Returning to the scene of his wayward stunt at Coral Sea Park, Maroubra, Brian Concannon said he regretted performing the "Leo Wanker" effort which he described as "a balls-up".

"I'm a bit ashamed at all the taxpayers money I've wasted, I feel like I'm a pain in the arse," Mr Concannon said. "I'm going to have a big think about just what I'm doing."

When police and paramedics arrived at the park just as he was preparing on Sunday night, Mr Concannon rushed ahead with the stunt – causing him to plummet head-first into the ground.

He was treated at the scene and taken to Prince of Wales Hospital, where he spent three days.

"I decided to do it when the police turned up, but I rushed it, I hadn't done a practice run," the 39-year-old told The Daily Telegraph.

"The bike was in the wrong gear, I wanted it in a high gear for more speed but I didn't know Bon [his 13-year-old son] had ridden it earlier and put it in a low gear."

Mr Concannon said another mistake was using a plank of wood propped up against two milk crates instead of having a ramp with a lip.

He also regretted having his son, one of two people videotaping the ride, watch the failed attempt along with a crowd of about 40 onlookers.

Bon disagreed, describing his dad's stunt as "cool".

While Bon doesn't want to become a stuntman, he has asked his dad to set him on fire. "I know he could do it like that, just set him alight and have him step into a pool, but I won't let him do it, DOCS would take him away," Mr Concannon said.

According to his website go-offextreme.com.au, Mr Concannon holds the unofficial world record for the longest full body burn: 2 minutes and 18 seconds.

Mr Concannon said he attempted his first stunt 12 years ago and has since set himself on fire 49 times.

Describing himself as an "adrenaline junkie", he said his 50th would be "extreme art, I will attempt to complete a painting with my arm on fire".

Submitted on 11/04/2003

Submitted by: Scott newby
Reference: http://dailytelegraph.news.com

Copyright © 2003 DarwinAwards.com

Greg said:
Definitely Keep: For Darwin's Eyes
More info on previously posted story

Jack said:
Neutral: For Darwin's Eyes
I am going to have to disagree with Charles in one particular: the story said that he had set himself on fire before, not that he had tried this particular stunt before. But I agree to let Darwin decide. But I do think that we might be hearing about this chap again ...

Daniel said:
Definitely Toss: Other
Thanks for the follow-up, but we already decided this guy doesn't get an award.

Loren said:
Neutral: For Darwin's Eyes
I echo what Charles said.

Charles said:
Definitely Keep: For Darwin's Eyes
Further information from the horse's mouth about this particular story that is already in the slush pile. My feeling is that this removes it from the list of Darwin Awards candidates and places it in the Extreme Sports category -- he's done this before, he has made all reasonable safety precautions, and this time he was rushed by the arrival of police and did not complete his preparations.

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