A sunny day in July 1964. I was in my second year at Grammar School. I was one of those who after the usual initiation and bullying had faded into the background . Till Sid Crane, our PE master that year discovered I could run and jump a bit. Maybe in year one I missed those lessons? He encouraged me to put my name forward for the House Team. I went along to selection in my hand me down shorts and pumps, others had spikes!!!
Still nervous and overshadowed by the bigger and older boys, I did not win any trials but did enough to get selection for the 100 yds and relay. My training consisted of running round the village green after school and at weekends. I also think Mum managed to borrow me some spikes that with some stuffed newspaper, managed to fit!
Come the day, as if inspired by the Mercury, I ran like the wind. I won the 100 yds, other events were hurriedly added to my schedule and as I recall on that day I also won the 220 yards, 440 yards, Long Jump and Relay. In a few hours I had emerged from the shadows of nowhere to sporting hero.
Sid Crane continued to mentor and coach me, giving me the nickname Jessie Owens and I went on to county, area and national level. But most important I began to believe in myself.
Now I walk slowly round the golf course!
Tony Walsh
Memory added on May 3, 2013
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