In the second in a series on Olympic experiences, we talk to the veteran broadcaster about his long career.
KEY POINTS:
My first Olympic Games were ... In 1972. I was 25 when the old NZBC (New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation) sent me to report on the summer Olympic Games in Munich. Our team was six men and we left wearing a uniform of purple blazers and white trousers!
As a sports-mad lad, my first memory of the Olympics was ... Listening on crackling radio to the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne. I can still remember that Winston McCarthy, the famous rugby broadcaster, was there. And the thrill of hearing Norman Read come into the stadium to win the 50km road walk.
My first Olympic hero was ... Definitely Peter Snell. In 1964 I recall being in Courtenay Place, Wellington, after school. My mate Dave Henderson and I stepped inside a hardware shop to listen to one of Snell's finals. When Snell won, I think it was me who had a 10 quid note in my pocket (to buy something for my mother) but I produced it and in front of the shop staff I handed it over to Dave and said, "Well done, your pick won the race". The staff were shocked that two teenagers should be betting such a huge amount of money. Outside on the footpath of course, we swapped the money back, and, very pleased our prank had been so convincing, we carried on to do mum's shopping.
The biggest change between broadcasting operations in 1972 and now is ... We were essentially only doing live radio news and sports commentaries back then. TV coverage only went on to videotape. Over the years many people have told me they recall watching live TV coverage of the famous rowing eight gold medal but that's not correct. We had to package up the videotape out to Munich airport to connect with the only flight per week from London to Auckland. These days all significant finals will be live from our crew of about 120 commentators and production staff from all over the world.
My worst moment at the Olympics was ... Sitting there in the studio in Munich thinking that bloody terrorists [who killed Israeli athletes in the Olympic Village] will have stuffed my Games forever. I was so depressed. Selfishly, I thought I would have to go home early. Therefore I was delighted the next day when, at the main stadium's memorial service, IOC president Avery Brundage uttered words I will never forget: "The Games must go on!" How relieved I was.
My proudest Olympic moment was ... Even better than putting on my first purple blazer in 1972 was commentating John Walker winning his 1500m gold medal at Montreal in 1976. Church services in New Zealand were delayed that Sunday morning to watch the race on the live TV coverage then. Walker was so relieved at winning and I was delighted. Other broadcasters slapped co-commentator John Davies and I on the shoulders as though it was us who had won! I loved that feeling of pride. But that call remains my only Kiwi gold medal commentary to date. (Memo to 2008 NZ team; More golds please!).
If I could turn back the clock and relive one Olympic moment it would be ... The feeling I have at every Games. It is to stand outside the gates of the Olympic Village and thrill to the sight of men and women, of all colours and creeds and shapes and sizes all buzzing in and out. No one is fighting each other, no wars, no politics, just athletes going about their training and preparation, all trying to be the best in their events. It's a catchy feeling, very intoxicating, a glorious pointer to what I think the world could and should be.
If I could put myself in the shoes of one person at the Games it would be ... No doubt about this. I would love to have dear departed friend John Davies back. Not only did he win an Olympic bronze medal (in the 1500m at Tokyo) and later coached Olympians like Dick Quax, Anne Audain, and Toni Hodgkinson, but he was also a great commentator and a wonderful worldly mate to travel with. Most importantly, John first emphasised to me that to be called an Olympian is a badge which everyone who has competed deserves to be honoured for. I will soon be at my eighth Olympics. But I never competed therefore I am not an Olympian. But I honour all those who are, thanks to John's understanding of the true Olympic essence.
