Written by Jon van Wyk
Let’s face it, in our sport obsessed culture, It’s fascinating to view athletes through the lens of good genetics and luck, while we couch surf our way through life, in a bid to overcome our mental stresses and Netflix addictions.
After all, it’s obvious that elite athletes tend to exhibit certain physical attributes—superior muscle composition, lung capacity, and overall agility—that can give them an advantage in their respective sports. To us this unmerited physical predisposition might seem like winning a lottery, even unfair, as not everyone has the same biological advantages in life.
A little cynical I know, but hear me out. Growing up in New Zealand I was fortunate enough to win a place in a prestigious all boys secondary school, famous for its sporting and academic excellence. Most of New Zealand’s All Blacks and male Medal Winning Olympic champions in the late 80’s and 90’s were young men I had rubbed shoulders with in classes on a daily basis.
I have enduring memories of how these fellows breezed through the 2 hours of physical education, we did every day – rain, hail or shine, without even catching a sweat, while our more intellectually inclined group wheezed back to the gym just before the sun went down.
It was at this time that my PE teacher, J. McFarlane, impressed upon me a lesson that I have never forgotten.
“We all have gifts”, he intoned to me one autumn afternoon, having seen my frustration with my poor running skills. Gesturing at the group of ‘young gods’ doing warm up laps around us, he said “This group of fellows here are pretty much equal when it comes to talent, but the champions will be those who consistently focus on training, discipline, and mental strength”.
Fixing me with a kindly eye, he helped me realise that this lesson not only applied to school, but was also true in every aspect of life. ‘Never stop wanting to be the best you can,’ were his parting words to me over his shoulder as he went off to train a future All-Black. With these words in my mind, I re-evaluated my attitude and began to do very well academically. What stands out for me the most during those ‘wonder years’ however, was how I found a love of swimming and over several years pushed myself to the limit in the pool, winning the senior breaststroke championship in my final year of high-school. Even now, years later, I’m as proud of this achievement as the prizes I won in English and History in dusty halls so long ago.
For me then, a true athlete will always be one who maximises their talent with much hard work, focus and discipline, while remaining humble and teachable on a daily basis.
Album of the month
‘Loyal’ by Dave Dobbyn
“Loyal” by New Zealand musician Dave Dobbyn, showcases his remarkable talent as a songwriter and storyteller. The album presents a rich tapestry of emotions, weaving themes of love, loyalty, and resilience throughout its tracks.
Well known for his iconic ‘Footrot Flats’ movie soundtrack, Dobbyn’s signature blend of pop, rock, acoustic and folk influences shines through ‘Loyal’, creating a captivating sound that feels both fresh and nostalgic – able to easily transport one to endless summer days by the beach.
Notable tracks, such ‘Love you like I should’ and the uplifting title song “Loyal,” reflect Dobbyn’s ability to capture the essence of human connections. His soulful voice carries a depth of feeling, drawing listeners into each narrative. The instrumentation is crafted with care, featuring lush melodies and thoughtful arrangements that enhance the lyrical themes.
Overall, the album is a testament to Dobbyn’s enduring legacy in both Australian and New Zealand music, resonating with both long-time fans and new listeners. Overall, “Loyal” is a compelling collection that reinforces Dobbyn’s status as an iconic figure in the industry, blending heartfelt messages with captivating melodies.
