by Max Howell
He helped her stand up, but he felt her whole body shaking, and she could not control it. “Are you sure you are all right, Faith?” he asked anxiously.
“I am fine, Mark, I am fine. All this means so very much to me.”
He turned to face her, and he put his hands on her hips. He was astonished as he felt the tremors surging uncontrollably through her body.
She knew instinctively, however, that there was something else on his mind. A frown came over his face, and he looked her straight in the eye.
“Faith, I have not been and cannot be fair to you because we will not be able to go out anywhere the next few years. I can see you as I do now, but we will not be able to go out. I promised my coach, and I guess I promised myself, that I would let nothing interfere with getting a gold medal in 1956. I do not know whether I can do it, but I have to concentrate on that. I cannot stay up late or anything like that. As you know, my family does not have any money, and I feel if I use my swimming ability wisely and give it everything I have that my whole life may change for the better. I see it as my one big chance, and I have dedicated myself to it. I know it is not fair to you, and I hesitate to ask, but will you wait for me?”
It was beyond her wildest hopes, and her body was shaking uncontrollably as she answered: “I would wait for you until eternity, Mark. I love you to the very bottom of my heart.”
“Then it is sealed!” he said solemnly, looking into those eyes of innocence that he could never forget. He bent down and drew her to him, and kissed her softly on the lips. Her legs buckled again, but he held on to her. It was the first time each had kissed in love. “I will not be able to do that again for a few years. You do understand, don’t you?”
She nodded, completely overcome by the events that had transpired. “I must go now,” he said, “I have only an hour to study.”
“It is all right, Mark. I am perfectly happy knowing you are mine.”
He put one arm around her and walked slowly back to where they met. She just looked up at him the whole time, perfectly and beautifully in love. “Good-night, Faith,” he said, “every night before I go to sleep I will say good-night to you.”
“So will I,” she replied. “But I have a confession to make. I have done that since the first day I saw you. Let us do it together. Every night at exactly nine o’clock we say good-night to one another. At that one moment in time we will not think of anything else. It will bind us together in our thoughts.”
“I would like that,” he said, “we will start to-night at 9.” He turned to go back to his house. She stood there watching him, and she was so gloriously happy. As he reached his gate he turned, and saw her still standing there. He waved, and she waved back. Faith then turned and crossed the road to her apartment.
She walked into the house, took off her shoes and lay on her bed. She looked at the clock. It was 8.45 pm. In fifteen minutes they would begin their nightly ritual.
There was a knock at the door, and Faith said softly, “Come in.”
Her mother walked in, looked at how flushed her face was, and knew something had happened that had affected her deeply. “Are you all right, Faith?”
“I could not be happier Mum, I just could not be happier.” She was radiant as she told her mother: “He has asked me to wait for him, and I have said that I will. Because of his swimming he will not be able to go out or anything like that until the Olympics are over, that is if he makes the team.”
“That is a long time, Faith, do you really know what you are doing?” She knew the answer before Faith spoke. Her daughter had displayed feelings that she had never seen before.
“I know what I am doing, Mum. This is what I want. You will not have to worry about me, and Mum, thanks for letting me go out to-night. We only went to the end of the street.”
“That is fine, Faith. I knew you would do what you said.”
“Mum, I am suddenly very tired and I would like to go to bed now.” She hurried forward, kissed her mother and hugged her.
“Good-night, Faith. Rest well.”
“I will, Mum, same to you. Thanks again for letting me go out.”
As her mother walked out of the room, she knew her daughter was hopelessly in love. That first love could be such a wonderful thing. She thought back to her own girl-hood, and that moment when her feelings were stirred for the first time. She had many boy-friends as she was growing up. Faith had none to this point, and was obviously totally committed to Mark. I hope she is not going to be hurt, she thought, it would kill her. She is such a serious little thing.
Faith looked at the clock in her room and it was three minutes to 9. She undressed slowly, putting her dress in the cupboard. She slipped off her underwear and stood facing the mirror. A tremor went through her body as she thought that one of these days Mark would want her completely. I wonder what it will be like. I have no idea what I am supposed to do if that ever happens. But when he wants me I will be his completely.
As it was still summer, she threw off the light bed-cover and then turned down the sheet. She lay on the bed, in the nude, and looked over at the clock. It was 9 o’clock exactly, and she closed her eyes and thought of him. She put her hand to her mouth, it was as if he was putting his mouth to hers. She could still feel the impression of their kiss though it had been so gentle. As she formed a mental image of him, he was bending down to kiss her, and in her dreams she slowly bent back and lay on the bed. Mark had nothing on as well, and he gently eased his body on to hers. It was as if he was weightless as he lay on top of her. It was a beautiful dream, and she fell asleep with those images gloriously seared in her brain. She was at peace, in perfect happiness, with the inexplicable depth of that first love dominating her mind, spirit and body.
Mark had been frantically reviewing his algebra in the few minutes left before 9 pm. He had an examination the next day and he wanted to do well. His father had come home late and was arguing with his mother, and his father’s language was deteriorating by the minute and his voice level went up, disturbing his concentration.
“Dad, for God’s sake, shut up, I have to memorise this stuff for tomorrow.”
“Don’t you tell me to shut up, I’ll give you the back of me bloody hand. You are not too old to get a belting from your old man, you know. Seems to me that getting your name in the paper has gone to your bloody head. You watch how you bloody-well talk to me. It is me that puts the bloody food on the table, you know.”
His mother intervened. “Leave him alone, Bill. You know he is no trouble and no one can be less swell-headed than him. God knows where he got all his good qualities from. It certainly was not from you.”
“So you are bloody-well against me too?” he said fiercely. “After all I have done for you and this useless bloody kid.”
Mark was relieved that they were both arguing with one another again, though it depressed him. When I get married, he thought, I will never argue like that. I will never tear the other person apart. They must never have loved each other like Faith and I. We will never be like that.
He hurried from the dining room table where his work was spread out to his own room. It was a few minutes to 9 and he changed quickly and jumped into bed. When the clock on the mantle-piece showed 9 he focussed on Faith. He pictured her standing next to him on the street, and feeling the tremors going though her body. I had no idea, he thought, that love could be like that. She is so very fragile, and has total belief in me. I must never hurt her. He thought how moved he was as he drew her to him and kissed her. He just could not believe that he had to hold her up as her knees buckled. He had never heard of that happening. He had never seen anyone so much in love as Faith. He must never let her down. It was a warm feeling that enveloped him. Then his mind switched to his swimming: ‘I am going to win! I am going to win, for her.’ This dual image gave him deep satisfaction. He would win for his loved one. So he fell to sleep, repeating, ‘I am going to win! I am going to win, for her!’
His next major event was the Combine
d High School Championships, where all the Sydney schools competed against one another, and as planned he entered the 55 yards and the 220 yards freestyle events. He was no longer an unknown, and the press commented on his appearance in the races.
Sydney Truth
March, 1955
SWIM EXPERTS AWAIT RE-APPEARANCE OF NEW STAR
The second appearance of new swim sensation Mark Jamieson is eagerly awaited by Australian swim experts. They are unanimous that he is no flash-in-the-pan. ‘He is coached by Terry Somerville’, said long-time coach Harry Hay, ‘who has produced some great swimmers in his day. The crucial issue is whether he can break through at the very top level. There have been many over the years who have broken State records, but we have had very few Olympic champions. It is a bit early to expect that’.
Frank Cotton of Sydney University said he had not tested the youngster in his research laboratory and would reserve his opinions until that time. ‘However,’ he said, ‘from his photographs and measurements that have been provided me he would seem to have an ideal swimmer’s build - 6 foot, angular, slightly ectomorphic, a stream-lined build.’
Coach Forbes Carlile, a disciple of Dr. Cotton’s, noted that there were a few other young stars in the State Championships who would test the youngster to the limit. ‘There are others who know that Olympics are just around the corner. I have a couple of good prospects, and so does Don Talbot. We will just have to wait and see.’
The young swimmer could not be contacted prior to the race, but his coach Terry Somerville of the Coogee Aquarium Baths said Mark had been training hard and was improving weekly. He would not predict the outcome of the races. He said: ‘Mark will do his best.’
On the advice of his coach, Mark swam easily in the heats of both races, winning both but breaking no records in the process. They were good work-outs, and he was conserving his energy for the finals. He breathed on both sides so that he could keep an eye on his opponents, and out-touched them at the finish. The Sydney Sun commented on his heat wins.
Sydney Sun
NEW SWIM STAR TOYS WITH OPPONENTS AT CHS MEET
Swim sensation Mark Jamieson toyed with his rivals yesterday at the British Empire Pool to easily take out his heats of the 55 yards and 220 yards freestyle events. Though inexperienced in top competition, he swam like a veteran. One expert said that he had one of the most fluid swimming styles he had seen.
Two others swam faster in their heats of the 55 yards, Joe Johnson of North Sydney Technical High and the Pymble ASC, Brad Dawkins of Manly High School and the Manly ASC, and Joe Johnson and Bill Jansen of Sydney High School and the Sydney ASC, who beat his time in the 220 yards. There is considerable speculation as to the outcome, as Johnson was last year’s champion in both events.
His first final was in the 55 yards freestyle at the British Empire pool in North Sydney, which was built for the Empire Games of 1934. Though it was over forty years old, it was well maintained, and was 55 yards in length. There were even starting blocks, and the water was crystal clear.
As he walked out for his race he looked over to his coach and nodded confidently. He looked further up in the stands and made his usual eye contact with Faith. He felt good knowing she was there. It would make him try harder. He paid no attention to his opponents. All he could think of was, ‘I am going to win! I am going to win, for her.’
The crowd hushed as the starter called them to their marks. He took a deep breath, and looked straight ahead. At the crack of the gun he was off, and when he touched at the finish he was three yards ahead of the second-place finisher. There were sustained cheers from the Sydney Technical High School section of the crowd. Each school sat in its own area, their school colours being proudly displayed.
When they announced the time, it was a new Australian senior record. Mark had swum faster than any other Australian before or since. All the spectators joined in the general euphoria. An Australian record at a high school competition was a rare occurrence. His first major hurdle was over.
In the 220 yards, he not only erased the Australian record but he demolished the field, winning by 30 yards. His class was undeniable as he glided through the water, his style seemingly effortless.
The next day the newspapers told the story. The conservative Sydney Morning Herald pronounced its judgment.
Sydney Morning Herald
March 3, 1955.
SWIM SENSATION BREAKS TWO AUSTRALIAN SWIM RECORDS
Any doubts as to the ability of the young Sydney Tech swimming ace Mark Jamieson were completely eradicated yesterday when he erased two Australian records yesterday at the Combined High Schools meet, in the 55 yards and the 220 yards freestyle.
The manner in which Mark won the 220 yards by 30 yards had the crowd of 8000 cheering youngsters gasping.
‘It was a sensational performance’, said rival swim coach Don Talbot. ‘He was the star of the meet and has the potential to win a medal at the 1956 Games if he can maintain his form.’
The modest Sydney Tech youngster would not comment on his prospects yesterday. He said ‘I take one race at a time and do whatever Mr. Somerville tells me to do.’
A beaming Terry Somerville, coach at the Coogee Aquarium Baths, said: ‘The boy has unlimited potential. He is a coach’s dream. He pushes himself harder than any swimmer I have ever had.’
When asked about his charge’s chances at the up-coming State Championships, Somerville would offer no predictions: ‘All I can say’, he said mysteriously, ‘is that we have a surprise in store for everyone’.
By his times at the CHS Championships, the youngster would appear to be unbeatable in two freestyle events, the 55 yards and the 220 yards.
The surprise was not long in coming. Mid-week, a mere three days prior to the State Championships, Terry made their plans known.
Sydney Morning Herald
March 6, 1955
SHOCK ANNOUNCEMENT
SWIM STAR TURNS BACK ON TWO CERTAIN STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Veteran swim coach Terry Somerville of the Coogee Aquarium Baths stunned the swimming world yesterday when he announced that outstanding swim prospect Mark Jamieson would not swim the 55 yards and 220 yards freestyle at the State Championships this Saturday.
Mark caused a sensation at last week’s CHS Championships when he broke two Australian records in winning both events.
‘He will only swim the 110 yards freestyle at the State and Australian Championships,’ announced his coach to a shocked press conference.
‘We have one aim at this point in time, the 100 metres at the 1956 Games. To this point we have been swimming under-distance for speed and over-distance for endurance. Now comes the moment of truth.’
‘But why not concentrate on the known? Mark’s the Australian record holder in two events?’, Somerville was asked.
‘Because I feel his main chance will be in the 100 metres at Melbourne and that is the event that he has the most potential for. There is no 50 metres or 200 metres at the Olympics, just the 100 metres. In my opinion there should be a 50 and 200, but there is not!’
There is much controversy among the press corps and other swim coaches over Somerville’s decision. It is a big gamble on the youngster’s future.
Mark, as always, had little to say. ‘Mr. Somerville knows what he is doing. He has not been wrong yet.’
It seemed Mark had less time for himself now than he ever did. Everyone seemed to want to talk to him, though after a time the questions became repetitious. He looked forward to his rides to and from school, but particularly coming out of the Baths each morning. Faith never missed, and was always there. It gave him an opportunity to see her alone, and tell her more private things. Like in the evenings, at 9 pm, the mornings were also their special time. Mark would not spend more than a few minutes with her outside the Baths and then he was off and running. But it was a few minutes each day they each eagerly looked forward to.
Their rides to school were important as well, but now others wanted to talk to
him and the compartment in the tram was often crowded. It was as if everyone wanted to be associated with him. Mark handled it all well, but it gave the three close friends little free time together. In private, Mark told Faith and Frank that he was sorry about what was happening, but there was obviously little he could do about it. Even adults in the tram started to know who Mark was as his fame spread, and they would smile, and nod at him.
Mark noticed his own tension level rising as the State Championships approached, particularly as the public and press became more involved in the controversy about his concentration on the 110 yards. Terry, however, paid no attention to the drama involving his protégé, and increased the speed component of his work-out each day in training.
On Thursday afternoon, as he finished his work-out, doing 25 yard repeats at maximum effort, Terry said to Mark: “To-morrow you have the morning off. As you know, the heats are to-morrow night, and I want you to be psychologically ready. We will not coast in the heat. We will answer the critics in the only way that counts. In performance. Are you ready to show them?”
“Yes, Mr. Somerville, I am.”
“To-morrow you and I serve notice on the Australian swim world. Think of nothing else. We start our move into the big time to-morrow.”
“There is something I would like to talk to you about, Mr Somerville. I had a long talk to that girl you spoke of before, her name is Faith. We have agreed that we will not go out together until after the Olympics.”
“That is good, Mark. Swimming and girls do not mix.”
“I appreciate that, Mr Somerville. But she and Frank Fielding are my closest friends and they will be at every swim meet that they can. I would appreciate it if they could sit with you. They support me as much as you do.”
“If it means that much to you I guess I can handle it. But tell them not to say too much. I get nervous before you swim and I do not like to talk.”
“You get nervous, Mr Somerville?” Mark laughed incredulously. “You always seem to look so cool and confident.”
“What is on the surface is often different to what goes on inside a person, Mark. I get nervous all right. But you as a swimmer have an outlet. It is fine to be nervous before a race, but once you push off it is all over for you. There is no nervousness when you hit the water. I personally lack that release.”