Keith Miller out for 84
The use of the word ‘Heroes’ to describe sporting achievers has long been a gripe of mine as all my heroes risked their lives to save others, like the Grandmother in the post below
Well here’s one that’s hero and sporting achiever of note.
Keith Miller, WW2 pilot and test cricketer, often considered second only to Bradman has died at 84.
He was once ask how he handled the pressure of playing cricket.
Pressure? I’ll tell you what pressure is. Pressure is a Messerschmitt up your arse, playing cricket is not.My kind of man.
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Oh how good to see it in print-
for too long these overpaid ‘sports stars ‘ are termed ‘Heros’ they are stupendous athletes who are deserving of aclaim, for the hard work and effort they make in their climb to the top echelons of their chosen sport.They are VERY VERY well rewarded in amounts unimaginable to the sports men and women of yester- year.
I incurred wrath from some, when I commented, that I was sick to the gills of hearing about Catherine Freeman and particularly by that individual herself speaking in the 3rd person of herself- how twee!
Cathy was a great Australian runner- something in her genes from ancestral chasing of kangeroos for tucker and a gift she was born with. Hut not hero nor heroine
She was, as are they all, blessed with a massive amount of taxpayers money on training and grooming to enable them reach their peak non of which they have to return as with the HECS fees.
If Cathy had been of European extraction would the media have focussed so much on her every half baked comment? as if they were great pearls of wisdom- I think not.
They truly belong to the lucky country and it would be nice to see them refund some of the millions they earn from promotions back into the next generation of athletes.
The Athletes before underwent much more stress financial and personal. but did it for love of the sport not for money.
I also get tired that they ‘do it’ for Australia- nonsense- they do it because they from an early age, often because they are hyperactive and it focusses this energy, they soon see,or their parents do, that it has vast financial rewards -but they do it for themselves.
Some are great young ambassadors for the country and reflect credit on their families. Some like Leighton Hewitt a wonderful tennis player, who still does not receive the aclaim due to his prodigious talent , if he had only but restrained himself and not shown what a nasty spoilt little brat he was initially. He has improved but he showed early that a real champion is not always ones who wins the game- witness Pat Rafter and conversely Pat Cash and John McEnroe- who however well they played turned this fan from the game.
My father told me that he used to go and watch Keith Miller when he was playing grade cricket for Manly. When it was Keith’s turn to bat they would have to send someone over to the pub to get him.
He did love a drink and a good time!!