Barry Sheene
Barry Sheene died this morning.
I'm glad I watched a bit of the F1 Grand Prix yesterday. Though they didn't make a big deal of it, they made him honorary track marshall. I don't know anything about his last days, but I wonder if he was just waiting that out... "One last GP, then I go." Could be there was a reason I felt moved to watch again this year after deciding that I was done with all that.
I remember seeing him commentating at the Australian 2002 Moto GP. It was only weeks (days?) after his cancer had been diagnosed, and he looked so ill. He didn't take on a full comentary work-load, but he conducted mini-interviews with riders and team bosses. More than anything, their fondness for him shone through.
One thing not often mentioned is that one of the reasons he moved from England to Queensland after he'd retired from motorcycle racing was that he suffered from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Many obits quote a preference for the warmer climate but it was more than a preference that moved him! The English climate was seriously detrimental to his health. I found it amazing to consider that he not only made the move, but his recovery continued and he went on to develop a great second career as a motor sports commentator.
And what a commentator he was! A dry wit, very laid-back attitude, and a phenomenal knowledge of the sport combined to make him wonderfully informative and entertaining. He was well-liked amongst the other players in the sport. He had a reputation for generosity with apposite advice and connections for younger drivers and riders. I'm far from the only one who'll miss him.