St Kilda’s superhero

City of Port Phillip
Not all heroes wear capes – including St Kilda’s very own amazing Spider-Man.

St Kilda East resident Stuart Tyson has become a popular lockdown icon since regularly jogging around St Kilda in a Spider-Man suit since last July.

The trainee psychologist first suited up to lift his own spirits during lockdown and to hopefully create some fun for others.

He was astounded when a friend told him that posts on local community Facebook pages were applauding his efforts while posing the question – who is this masked man?

“It was a moment of joy when I realised that people were having fun seeing me,” he said.

“I like to entertain and lift people’s spirits. This was a way of spreading lightness and colour and joy – and even a little silliness – during a difficult time.”

Stuart ended the web of speculation by “unmasking” himself publicly but continues to don his Spider-Man suit about twice a week.

His favourite haunts are the St Kilda foreshore, Acland Street and Alma Park, where he more often resembles the Pied Piper with up to 30 children following him before he speeds off.

That endurance took a while to achieve as running in head to toe Lycra presents unique difficulties.

“The first time I lasted five minutes, it’s hard to breathe and you sweat more than you can imagine. Breathing through the nose and mouth helped but the biggest thing was conditioning myself.”

He’s now on to his second Spidey suit, with a third on hand for special appearances.

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