Superhero Athletes #4

Platypunk (Villain/Superhero)

9 to 5 Name & Occupation: Tim Cahill, Attacking Midfielder, Everton/Australian National Team

Citizenship: Australia, Samoa, UK, Ireland

Powers: Platypunk is exceptionally quick and stealthy. He is very rarely seen when committing his crimes. He developed a device similar to the platypus’ "electrolocation", that allows him to see in complete darkness. Also, similar to a male platypus’ poisoned ankle spur, Platypunk throws poisonous spurs at his pursuers (or sometimes those he just doesn’t particularly care for…for instance, someone who doesn’t say ‘thank you’ when he holds the door open for them) causing temporary paralysis.  He will on occasion join up with heroes on a special mission, if the price is right.

Weaknesses: Platypunk is small and not particularly strong. In the rare occasions he is captured, he doesn't have many "close proximity" defenses. The day time or well lit rooms – Platypunk relies on his stealthiness and this trait greatly diminishes in visible light.

History: Tim Cahill grew up struggling with his identity. He was born in Australia to a Samoan mother and an English father of Irish descent. As a very talented soccer player, he represented Samoa in U17 international play. Because he represented Samoa as a youth, FIFA restricted Tim from representing Australia and then also the Republic of Ireland for the 2002 World Cup. These decisions put Cahill in a very dark place, and he retreated to a secluded cabin in Tasmania, Australia. Here, he recognized that a local creature the platypus, a semi-aquatic monotreme mammal, also appeared to have some identity issues (beaver-like, duck-like, and reptile-like). However, the platypus appeared to be a very successful predator without any noticeable competition. Tim mimicked these successful traits and began his metamorphosis into the vigilante Platypunk. Shortly after his transformation, FIFA (not so surprisingly) changed its eligibility rules allowing players to switch international allegiance. 

Targets: All Major International Corporations (including FIFA, Interpol, and major banks)- Platypunk isn't your typical "evil" villain, his heart is often in the right place he just takes an overly dramatic approach to what he calls "justice".

Rare footage of Platypunk fleeing the scene of
a crime.

Superhero Athletes #2

Human Hurricane (Hero)

9 to 5 Name & Occupation: Tim Duncan, Power Forward/Center, San Antonio Spurs

Citizenship: USA, Virgin Islands

Powers: Human Hurricane can be very powerful and is extremely intelligent. He can manipulate water creating rapids, whirlpools, or tsunamis; and because of this power he can also breathe underwater. Along with being able to manipulate bodies of water, Human Hurricane can create gale to hurricane force winds by manipulating the air. Due to the abundance of air and water on Earth, Human Hurricane has a vast catalog of combinations and uses of his power.

Weaknesses: In order to manipulate and control the most extreme aspects of his power (hurricane force winds and tsunamis), Human Hurricane needs the time to be able to safely conjure the power and sustainably control its use. He becomes very vulnerable when attempting to harness and build his energy. If he tries to create hurricane force winds or tsunami sized waves too quickly, it would likely drain him of all energy and he wouldn't be able to control the finished product. He needs to prepare himself mentally as well as physically before any significant battle. 

History: When Tim was a child growing up on the island of Saint Croix in the Virgin Islands, he was a very talented swimmer. When a hurricane came along and destroyed the only Olympic size swimming pool on the island, Tim was forced to train in the ocean. This Hurricane however also destroyed a secret naval facility just off shore. While Tim was training tirelessly in the ocean, he unknowingly ingested some of the highly volatile chemical compounds released from this secret naval facility during the disaster. At first, he noticed less extraordinary symptoms like: getting taller and stronger. Later though, he began to realize he didn't need to come up for breaths on his short and then long distance swims. Eventually he discovered his power to manipulate water and air as well. On his first attempts to probe and stretch his powers he had devastating consequences, including a tsunami that almost destroyed his town. He vowed to never use his powers again, and switched his focus from swimming to basketball. He had a very impressive collegiate basketball and academic career, and in the first round of the NBA draft he was selected first by the San Antonio Spurs. Here, David "The Admiral" Robinson took Tim under his wing in order to develop his game... and to help Tim control his superhuman powers. You see, David Robinson went to the US Naval Academy and upon completion was obligated to two years of active duty with the Navy. He was stationed in a secret naval base off the coast of St. Croix. 

Goals: Pursue safer swimming waters and promote all around World Peace.

Human Hurricane relaxing by the pool.