I WAS recently asked which sportsperson I find the most inspiring.
Tim Gavel.
Some, though, live on in my memory as highly significant moments, such as George Gregan’s tackle on Jeff Wilson; Jason Croker, almost playing on one leg for the entire second half at Canberra Stadium because the Raiders had no replacements; Nick Kyrgios overcoming the odds to defeat Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon and Lauren Jackson contributing to the Capitals titles (and near-titles).
When it comes to athletes that inspire as “people”, it’s usually an athlete or a team that has had to battle to achieve success.
Eighteen-year-old Cameron Hill is a case in point. A year out of Radford College, he currently leads the Australian Formula Ford series after winning at Winton in the third round.
What gives this story an edge is that Cameron and dad Colin do everything themselves, including the mechanics in a garage in Queanbeyan; they fund it and do all the transportation themselves before Cameron even steps into the car to race.
Race after race they come up against teams with either direct factory backing or funded support. Their win at Winton is the first by privateers in many years.
Cameron started in karts at age nine before progressing to the National Formula Ford series. He finished sixth last year; this season he leads with three rounds to go. There is an element of the Mark Webber-style progression so far.
To make ends meet, Cameron works at Coles with a dream of eventually becoming a full-time driver. Once he gets there he will be better for the experience in doing it the hard way.
The Gungahlin Football Club is another source of inspiration. This club has been in the men’s Premier League only for this season, yet it has made the final 32 in the National FFA Cup after defeating Belconnen United one-nil in the Canberra final of the knockout tournament.
The mighty Quinn
IN the ‘60s and early ‘70s Paul Quinn was a particularly tough rugby league player. He played in the country, at Gerringong, before making the 1963 Kangaroos team. Paul also played for NSW Country, NSW and Newtown.
He moved to this region and played in the local competition. He was also a radio co-commentator who stated things as he saw them, having come through an era of no-holds-barred football; there was no sugar coating with Paul. He worked for 2SM then the ABC for Raiders’ games for many years at Seiffert Oval then Bruce Stadium. He had a distinctive gravelly voice that commanded attention.
He was a guiding hand to many a young commentator, myself included. Paul passed away in Canberra last month following a lengthy illness. His influence will long be remembered.
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