ABC Grandstand's Unsung Sporting Heroes
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Stephen knows Phill used his connections to chase justice. ‘Phill played a major part in trying to make the IOC change its stance.’ A few days later, Wooldridge received a phone call from the Australian Olympic Committee headquarters advising him that the IOC had agreed to award the gold medals to all riders in the Australian team. From tears of pain to those of joy, thanks to Phill Bates.
He also railed at the injustice meted out to Ben Kersten, a huge talent from Wollongong, who initially missed out on selection for the Athens Olympics in controversial circumstances. Kersten challenged the selection criteria, believing AIS rider Sean Eadie had been given favourable qualifying conditions. Then, after being added to the team when the tragic Jobie Dajka lost his spot (after lying to an inquiry about drug use), Kersten wasn’t even given a ride at the games. In his prime, he sat on the sidelines.
Phill’s devoted wife, Barbara, who often saw her ‘totally unflappable’ husband ‘stay up all night to get the job done’, believes he did the right thing in the Kersten case, over what he saw as a ‘major injustice’. But standing on principle ultimately cost Phill his coveted position on the board of Cycling Australia.
Barbara and Phill have been married thirty-six years. Phill says, ‘She’s been unbelievable. It wouldn’t have been possible without her commitment and support.’ They’ve proudly raised four children: Kareen, Gavin, Mitchell and Cameron. Only last year Phill noticed a strong turnout at the St George Club Annual General Meeting. He thought ‘Barb’ had organised a coup. Not so. Barbara says, ‘He’ll be president until he falls over. He loves the club.’
That’s the enigma of Phill Bates. Despite tripping the world with politicians and sporting stars, promoting the sport in the echelons of power, Phill can still be seen manning the microphone, organising club events and inspiring juniors.
His dedication nearly cost him his life when he was whitewashing the Hurstville Oval track in the early 1970s. Phill was barefoot on wet grass when he grabbed a live cable and needed saving by builder Charlie Manins. Phill recalls, ‘Everyone thought I was mucking around, then he’s come flying through, dropped his shoulder and broke my grip.’
In a sense, Phill Bates AM has repaid that twist of fate a thousand times over. Not only has he promoted innumerable cycling events and niche entertainment from ballroom dancing to trishaw racing, but his fundraising has realised close to ten million dollars for a variety of beneficiaries including the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, the Sydney Children’s Hospital, the Prostate Cancer Institute, St George Cancer Care Centre and the Fred Hollows Foundation. The annual ‘Ride for Life’, developed in partnership with Rick Christie, was another Bates success story. ‘It’s critical that people commit when they can, and I know a lot of people.’
Giving sometimes had Phill on the precipice. ‘The bike race [Commonwealth Bank Cycle Classic] owned my house at one stage; that wasn’t a comfortable feeling. But money has never been a driving aspect for me. I think being contented and having respect and love … it’s what we’ve built.’
At a Phill Bates charity event, you can see many a disciple, drawn in by this charismatic soul with the cheery demeanour and feisty commitment to in any causes. There are knowing smiles and unparalleled warmth. Gary puts it succinctly: ‘He was never afraid to take a risk. His passion for our sport was incredible, and still is.’
Foreword copyright © Australian Broadcasting Corporation 2013
Introduction copyright © Craig Norenbergs 2013
‘Making miracles happen’ copyright © Stephanie Brantz 2013
‘My netball post in the paddock’ copyright © Jessica Currie 2013
‘The Hume heartbeat’ copyright © Shannon Byrne 2013
‘The subbies forward pack’ copyright © Paul Dagarin 2013
‘Champion by chance: Patrick Johnson’ copyright © Tim Gavel 2013
‘A small stage’ copyright © Dave Mitri 2013
‘A man for all seasons’ copyright © Craig Hamilton 2013
‘In praise of Slasher McKay’ copyright © Robert White 2013
‘Vic Ludwig’ copyright © Charlie King 2013
‘The Phantoms’ copyright © Kerry Jones 2013
‘The miracle medal maker’ copyright © Dan Lonergan 2013
‘Hitting the bullseye’ copyright © Adam Blom 2013
‘Norman May: the pundits’ one-eyed commentator’ copyright © Jim Maxwell 2013
‘Saluting Hubie: the kid from Karridale’ copyright © Bob Biddulph 2013
‘Blowfly Cricket’ copyright © Helen Bersten 2013
‘A king with a common touch’ copyright © Drew Morphett 2013
‘It can be done’ copyright © Colleen Kerr 2013
‘A true country gentleman’ copyright © Jocelyn McLennan 2013
‘Real devotion’ copyright © Peter Newlinds 2013
‘Blood, sweat and swagga’ copyright © Kim Sharpe 2013
‘Duty first’ copyright © Alister Nicholson 2013
‘Tour de force’ copyright © Matthew Sumner 2013
‘Captain Socceroo’ copyright © Craig Norenbergs 2013
‘The quiet man’ copyright © Giles Stratton 2013
‘From refugee to Ronaldo: Football United’ copyright © Amanda Shalala 2013
‘Boxing gloves and battlefields’ copyright © Drew Ellis 2013
‘For the love of football’ copyright © Debbie Spillane 2013
‘The power of Parra’s fans’ copyright © Jean-Paul Pelosi 2013
‘Out of the shadows’ copyright © Karen Tighe 2013
‘The comeback’ copyright © TW Gibbings 2013
‘Standing tall’ copyright © Peter Walsh 2013
‘Tony’ copyright © Rohan Kennedy 2013
‘Phill Bates: a cycling classic’ copyright © Peter Wilkins 2013
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First published in Australia in 2013
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National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication data:
ABC Grandstand’s Unsung Sporting Heroes / edited by Craig Norenbergs.
9781460701119 (epub)
Athletes, Australian—Biography.
Sports—Australia—Biography.
Courage.
Sportsmanship.
Professionalism in sports.
Other Authors/Contributors: Norenbergs, Craig, editor.
Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
796.092294
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Cover image: Dean Cummings, Clarrie Hutchison, Harrison Petty and Jonty Seal from the Wudinna Football Club B Grade in SA. Photo by Randy Larcombe
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