I would never have described myself as 'sporty', but I did once have aspirations.
As a schoolboy I played Rugby, Cricket, Fives, and Golf. I also rowed 8's, and was forced to participate in obligatory Cross-Country running.
After school I continued to play Club Rugby until my Stock Exchange bosses insisted that I stop on account of my regular Monday Morning injuries.
Later in life I took up Cycling which I loved (I once cycled from London to Brighton with Kimbo), and I occasionally continued with my Golf.
Sadly my sporting activities have mostly been filled with disappointment. I never won a rowing race, all my running jumping and throwing aspirations came to nothing, and my Golf ball always refused to follow my strict instructions. In other words, before any event I knew I would win; afterwards I accepted that I was hopeless.
I have never understood why I was so hopeless. My opposition always seemed far less capable than myself, yet they always succeeded where I failed.
I have never stood on that top step of the podium. I have never had a shiny medal around my neck. And I have no silver trophies on my mantlepiece.
If there was a prize for Dog Walking, I might be awarded a 'commendation' rosette, just for my persistence, but it would never be gold silver or bronze. If there was a competition for 'Shopping-Suprimo of the Year', I might be mentioned in dispatches. And if there was a prize for 'Day-Dreaming' I might come close to an award.
However, having said all that, in Summer when I participate in my daily Swimming competitions, I ALWAYS WIN. But, as I'm the sole competitor, the outcome is inevitable.
As they say, Cro, it's the taking part, the "journey" - not whether you come first, second or third.That can never be the goal. Or only for the vain.
ReplyDeleteAt school, when we had one hundred meter races, we were paired. Meaning we could choose our running partner. I always chose Susanne. Susanne was impossibly tall, her long legs reaching the sky. Not in a million years could I or anyone have outrun her. However, think sly fox, I knew that her always being just that little bit ahead of me, hanging onto her heels would pull me through so fast I beat my best running time every time. Don't say I am not clever. Oh did my PE teacher laugh. She had me sussed.
There is a lesson in there.
U
We were always taught 'It matters not to win or lose, but how one plays the game'. Well, that's all well and good, but it would be nice to win occasionally.
DeleteOooh, you are being hard on yourself, but brave of you to reveal all.
ReplyDeleteDidn't someone once say that 'Failure is success in Progress.'
I myself ran in the School mile race every year but always came maybe third or fourth having been at the front for most of the race. What did those winners have that I didn't? Fitness I suspect.
Cro, do you recognize that vintage English crockery set I just posted up. It seemed to be in every home during the 1960's and 1970's.
Ah, the infamous 'Celadon' Tea Service. They still appear in many BBC plays of the era, and my wife and I always comment on them. "There they are again", etc.
DeleteI see you've illustrated some of the shows!
DeleteYes, they seem to appear in all the old great comedies from back then. And they're clearly part of BBC Wardrobe and vintage artifacts for Dramas and Plays.
DeleteYou might be amused by this. Many years ago I was listening to the radio in France when they announced an upcoming programme about Jean Matisse. Thinking that this was maybe a son of Henri Matisse, I noted the time, and tuned-in. Imagine my surprise when it turned out to be about Johnny Mathis.
DeleteYou win at regular blogging!
ReplyDeleteDo I get a prize?
DeleteI am another also-ran. Never mind. At least you have enjoyed playing the game.
ReplyDeleteYes, but my fun was tinged with disappointment.
DeletePoor old Crozier. Perhaps you simply picked the wrong sport. I suspect that you would have been more successful at darts - competing in workingmen's club tournaments across the north of England in your pink XXL silk shirt with "Duke of Sussex" on the back... "One hundred and eighty!"
ReplyDeleteI'm not fat enough, nor do I say "Ay up" or "Eee bar gum". But the constant flow of Beer would be nice.
DeleteI played hockey and netball, swam, played tennis. Probably a few other things. Athletics are/were encouraged in NZ schools.
ReplyDeleteThank goodness I could drop them all once I left.
Now I walk. Simply walking round the neighbourhood is quite enjoyable. A sport without other participants.
Thats enough for me
I agree. In fact walking around the woods, etc, in France was always my favourite 'sport'. I can't walk so far these days which is annoying.
DeleteFor many of us, the joy is in the journey.
ReplyDeleteFor me that was obligatory!
DeleteI''ve had no interest in being an athlete.
ReplyDeleteHaving other talents and interests seems just fine to me.
I really enjoyed Rowing and Rugby, but the rest were just occasional pastimes.
DeleteI had to play tennis and hockey - It scared me as 2 huge aggressive girls would run towards me and wack my legs viciously - thick socks and shin pads weren't enough - I learnt to run away to survive - I was asked to make sandwiches for his cricket tea - It was disastrous and I was not asked again - Wrestling on tv and boxing was happier with my dad - flis x
ReplyDeleteIn my Club Rugby days, we would play against THUGS who simply wanted to injure the opposition. I have a dodgy knee to this day that I received whilst playing.
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