Size matters

Size matters

It is a rare occasion when I am the dwarf in any context. My mouth is the size of a ReadyMix cement truck and I cannot remember ever having to back down in an altercation. Not since my 13th birthday at least.

To have one’s hand enclosed from fingertips to biceps by another human is a strange feeling. To peer upwards into eyes that are gentle, sincere and yet show no sign of ever having granted quarter to another human was unnerving. From either side of the barrel chest protruded arms that would have enclosed my volleyball team, two linesmen, and the referee.

I paused to study the hands of a war veteran, one who had led and bore scars from several encounters. Fingers that would never straighten, joints surrounded by scar tissue as they were torn, bruised and broken in the heat of the battle for his country’s honour.

I should have paid more attention to the rest of his physique, as he was in peak condition in his mid-40s. I was taken aback by his face, a study in the power of youth gently aged in 20 years of wisdom, engraved with the cares of his own personal warfare.

As he began to speak, the room listened in rapture. It was not his intellect that captured the audience — it was the humility and fiery passion for the equality of all humankind that drew the listener into his world.

It is doubtful that a single member of the audience had ever stood on the national or international sports field, or understood the training, time and commitment to win.

What is certain is that every listener saw past the body, the warrior, the veteran, the scars. When a man who could rightfully be arrogant is able to ensure every member of his audience feels they are his equal, he has indeed walked a hard road without losing sight of the goal he may not have seen as a young champion.

I am not a rugby league fan. I don’t understand the sport or its rules. A lot of players and fans have not done the sport and themselves any favours with their behaviour on and off the field.

Yet I was privileged to share a meal with a former player whose heart is bigger than Phar Lap’s. Ian Roberts, I salute you. There are few openly gay male team sports players. Your personal fight for equality for all makes me proud to be an Australian sportsman.

The Sydney Convicts play in your legacy: being gay and getting out to play: www.teamsydney.org.au

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One response to “Size matters”

  1. No offence meant, but another column that is very difficult to read. Maybe, keep it simple.