We all know how dangerous melanoma can be. We all know that if you spend a lot of time in the sun you are at a greater risk of contracting the dreaded skin disease. But how great is the risk? Should surfers really take greater precautions than the non-surfing population? New research provides surprising answers. Yeah. Sure. It’s obvious isn’t it. Of course surfers are in a … [Read more...]
The Cutback that Changed the World – Photo 1.
Here is the first in my selection of the most important photographs in Australian sporting history. The images are not ranked or presented in any particular order. Ranking is a subjective notion that I don't want to buy into. Each image presents a frozen moment in time that has historical significance in the Australian world of sport. Even more importantly, each image opens the … [Read more...]
Kahanamoku – Australia’s first surfer? Nah!
Manly Beach, 1913. Olympic silver medalist swimmer, Cecil Healy, meets a local ratbag beach bum for a beer and a chin wag. Hmmm. Maybe this chat never actually happened. But it could have. Tommy skips down the two sandstone steps from the front door of the Seagulls club house, traverses the tarmac footpath, crosses the South Steyne, then wanders past the timber surf club to … [Read more...]
Socrates and the cranky coach…
Socrates is sitting on the steps at the local gym when he notices one of the Australian National Rugby League’s (NRL) most famous veteran coaches approaching the front door. The coach sees the old hooker/philosopher and realizes that it’s too late to turn around and run off… but he isn’t in the mood to be harassed by the busybody sports thinker today. Socrates doesn’t miss a … [Read more...]
Sport made fun for all – Urban Rec
My son calls me on the phone: “Dad ya gotta help me… my team has only got four players for Urban Rec tonight. Can you play?” My son is twenty-three and I am ancient. He really must be desperate. Me: “Ah… what is Urban Rec… and why would you ask me?” My son: “I am asking you because I have asked everyone else, and no-one is available. A group of friends and I play … [Read more...]