by Max Howell
“Swimming in the U.S.A. at the collegiate level is different from swimming in Australia, where you go from the club to the state and then the national championships. We operate in conferences, and you would be in the Pacific Coast Conference. Some of the other teams are the University of Washington, the University of Oregon, Stanford University and the University of California at Los Angeles. We have other dual meets as well, but the previous are our principal competitors. What this means is that we go to Seattle and have a meet against them, then they come to Berkeley, then we go to Eugene, and then they visit us, and so on. Each meet is evaluated on a points basis: we get points for a placing. It is important how you do individually, but it is a team sport and we all have to work as a team. If it comes to the final event and it is a backstroke event, and we need one point to win, and I think you have got a better chance than anyone else of getting that point, I will ask you to do your best for the team. It gets pretty exciting, I can tell you. I will still respect your aspirations in your event and try to maintain your precedence in that event, after all you are the best in the world, but I will be asking other things from you as well. You will occasionally be expected to sacrifice for the team.
“As for travel, I would not lie to you and say we travel first class. Our budget is pretty limited, despite what most Australians think about American universities, so most of the time it will be spaghetti, hamburgers and pizzas on the road, and it will be four to a room in the hotels. From what I know of you that will not be a problem, but I want to put all my cards on the table so you know what to expect.
“If you do well in the Pacific Conference then we will budget the monies to get you to the NCAA Championships, those are the national university championships in the USA, and if you do well there we would send you to the AAU Championships, which are like your Australian Championships. We would hope you will be an All-American Swimmer as well as an All-Australian.
“So there it is. You will love Berkeley, it overlooks the Bay area, and of course San Francisco is nearby, which in my opinion is the city most like Sydney in the world. But I want to stress, it will not be easy, and we want you to be a scholar first and an athlete second.
“One other thing. I have never asked a student from another country to Berkeley before, because fundamentally I believe in developing our own athletic talent. I have checked you out pretty carefully, and I like your style. You will be gambling on me, but I am gambling on you also. I appreciate how you must be a little apprehensive about coming overseas, so I will have you stay with me as long as you want. I have a pretty nice family, a wife and three kids, and there will be a separate room for you where you can sleep and study. Any time you want to go out on your own it will be okay with us. So there it is, Mark, the decision is up to you.”
“I would like to think about it overnight, sir, if that is all right with you. It is a pretty serious decision, as you can understand,” said Mark.
“Take as long as you like, Mark. You are the only one here I will be asking.” Then Mark shook hands and left with Terry and Faith.
They found a seat in the Village restaurant, got drinks and then Mark broke the silence. “Well, what did you both think?”
Terry was the first to speak up. “I know what I think, Mark, but it is really up to you. It is too important a decision.”
“What about you, Faith?” enquired Mark.
“Like Terry, I feel you are the only one who can make the decision. I am a little biased as I would like you to be as close as possible to Australia, so I guess I would have to be honest and say that I would prefer you to be in California,” said Faith. “What do you think, Mark?”
“Well, thanks for your help,” he laughed. “No, my mind is made up. It is Berkeley all the way. This is my one chance to go to university, and it is an academic degree I am after. Yale was certainly appealing, but it is too far away and it is not like Australia. For me, Berkeley it is!”
“That is what I felt, Mark,” said Faith, and she gave him a hug, “and I wish you all the best, though I do not know what I will do without you.” Tears clouded her eyes. “But you must do it, Mark, and I will wait, you know that!”
Terry interjected. “For me, it was also Berkeley all the way. I just cannot understand what took you so long in making up your mind.”
They all hugged one another. It was the culmination of a dream, one mapped out by Terry many years before. “Now you can start your real life,” said Terry, “I could not be happier. It seems many, many years ago when I brought you into my office at the Coogee Aquarium.”
“It certainly does, Terry, I owe it all to you,” and he shook his hand solemnly.
“No, Mark, you did it yourself. I just pointed the way, it was you who did it.”
The next day Mark informed George Schroth of his momentous decision. “That is great, Mark,” George said earnestly, “the guys at Berkeley won’t believe it. You realise you will then be a Golden Bear? That is what they call anyone who makes our teams.”
“A Golden Bear?” laughed Mark, “how can a Kangaroo become a Golden Bear?”
“I am not sure,” retorted George, “but we will do our best to change you over. By the way, you are late now for our first semester, and I do not want you to be at a disadvantage with your academic work by having to catch up. I will be making arrangements for you to leave as soon as possible, however. If you get to Berkeley early it will give you a chance to meet the guys and acclimatise yourself, and earn a few bucks before second semester. Terry tells me you have got your passport, so you have to be ready to go on a moment’s notice. We can fly you over, but I am trying hard to get you on a boat. A four-week cruise to America is what you need. You have earned it after the Olympics. I am not sure I can pull it off, Mark, but I am trying to pull a few strings. I told the American ambassador to Australia, who happens to be a Berkeley graduate, that we will throw him out of the Alumni Association if he does not throw his weight around and help you. But I cannot promise anything.”
“It sounds great, Mr. Schroth, I have always wanted to travel and I have never taken a boat cruise.”
“By the way, Mark, cut out the Mr. Schroth stuff. The guys on the team would kill themselves laughing if they heard you. Just make it George if you like, though most just call me Coach.”
“Okay, Coach it is, I like the sound of that.”
The morning of the Closing Ceremonies he was called into the office of the General Team Manager of the Australian Olympic squad, W.J.T. Uren. “Mark,” he said, “we have a special favour to ask of you. As you know Australia is ecstatic over our Olympic performances, and the government has asked that a select number of our top athletes go around Australia. It will mean you leave to-morrow for a civic reception and an exhibition swim in Adelaide, then Perth, back to Melbourne, then to Sydney and Brisbane. The Prime Minister has particularly asked you to go not only because of your Olympic performance but the example you have set our youth. It will take seven days, it will be a bit of a blitz, but you will be flying everywhere and treated first class all the way. We are asking Murray Rose, John Devitt, Dawn Fraser and Lorraine Crapp among the swimmers. What do you say, Mark?”
“I do not have to think about it, Mr Uren, I am very honoured to be asked. I will be ready to go to-morrow.”
“We sort of knew you would, Mark, and by the way, I have heard via the grape-vine that you are off to America in the near future, so I wish you the best of luck. I hope it does not mean you will forget that nice-looking young lass I have seen you with?”
“Thanks, Mr. Uren and have no fear, I do not think I will be forgetting her.”
The Closing Ceremonies had him busy for most of the day, December 8, and an Olympic tradition was begun when the Olympic athletes from all countries intermingled and marched together around the arena. The athletes were led by Australian gold medallists Betty Cuthbert, Shirley Strickland and Dawn Fraser. This was the idea of a Chinese student who said in a letter to Olympic organiser W. Kent Hughes that it w
ould help symbolise international friendship generated by sport. Mark and the other male simmers positioned themselves behind the women gold medallists.
Mark did not have a chance to talk to Faith until the Closing Ceremonies were over. They met in the Village. It was to be their final meal there.
“This is our last night here,” Mark said solemnly, reaching for her hand. “It has been like a dream. I have never been so happy. To-morrow morning you leave for Sydney by train. I will be able to see you off because your train leaves early in the morning, but late in the morning I find myself flying off in the opposite direction. The head of our Olympic team, and believe it or not the Prime Minister, have asked a number of us to fly around Australia for civic receptions and exhibitions. I had to say yes, but it is with mixed feelings. It gives me a unique opportunity to see Australia, but it will take a week and it means I will not see you for that length of time. George Schroth is already making arrangements for me to go to America, but I do not know when that will be, but it could be any time.”
“Things seem to be moving so fast,” Faith said, with a sadness in her voice. “Of course you have to go. I only wish I could be with you. As for to-night and any other nights we have before you leave, all I can say is that we should enjoy and treasure each moment. So let us forget about you leaving. This is our last night at the Olympics. Let us just enjoy that. We must take every day as it comes.”
“I agree, Faith. Let us hold on to every minute. Each one is so precious.”
That night they danced again for the last time at the Village, their bodies whirling as one. They both realised how lucky they had been. Mark had two gold medals, and they had both watched and enjoyed the Olympics together. They said little, their bodies merging, their heads together, occasionally their lips meeting as the music ebbed and flowed.
They then retreated to the place they had found, and immersed themselves into their exploratory love play. Though there was a repetition to it, the excitement never waned as the newness overshadowed it all. Though they both did not consciously think about it, there was a certain tension which increased the emotion, for the ultimate fulfillment was yet to come.
They moved one stage further in their love play that last night. After playing with her and bringing her to a climax, she reached towards his hardness, and stroked around it. He caught his breath as he felt her rhythmical movements, and then she undid the buttons on his fly slowly, one by one. She then felt him over his underwear, marvelling to herself at his size and rigidity. She then placed her hand inside his underwear, and held his penis in her hand. Almost the moment she cradled it lovingly his hands desperately went towards hers, and held hers to him, as he had an orgasm, and he cried out as his seminal fluid erupted over her hands. He stood there shaking with emotion, and then reached for his handkerchief and wiped his orgasm away from her hand.
“That is the first time that has ever happened to me like that, Faith. It has happened sometimes when I sleep, it is called a wet dream. It is called a ‘come’, and it is basically the same as your orgasm. It was an unbelievable feeling.”
“I can scarcely believe what happened. It moved me a great deal, Mark. Perhaps I should not say it, but when it happened to you it made me more sexually aroused than ever.”
“I think we had better call it a night. It is also getting pretty late. I will see you to a taxi, and then meet you to-morrow at the station.”
“Yes, I guess it is all for the best. However I just hate for this to end.”
“So do I, Faith. Let us walk around the Village one last time.”
It was a nostalgic walk, their happy and wonderful memories being jogged as they passed the restaurant, the Australian quarters, saw the flags of the nations flying, and watched the athletes of varying nations wending their way home.
They walked out of the Village for the last time, and Mark hailed a taxi. They embraced, and she was gone. He stood there watching until the lights of the taxi could no longer be seen, and then turned and walked slowly back to his room.
When he saw Faith off at the Melbourne Railway Station the following day, he reminded her of her final examinations in a few weeks’ time.
“I do not think you had much study time,” joked Mark.
“No, I did not,” said Faith seriously, “and I will have to crash the books from now on. I need that scholarship to Teachers’ College. In a way I guess it is good you will be away the next week, as I just cannot concentrate on anything when you are around.”
“Just like me in the Olympics, Faith, put in a supreme effort from now on. You can do it. The last build-up is the most important.”
“I will do my best, Mark, you know I will.” The train whistle sounded, and a guard called: “All aboard!”
“Thanks for the greatest time in my life, Mark. It was perfect, and I will never forget a single moment.”
“I feel the same way. Now off you go!” They embraced hurriedly.
“See you in Sydney, Faith.”
“In Sydney. Good-bye, Mark.”
He stood on the station until he lost sight of the train, and then hurried back to the Village to get ready for his round-Australia jaunt.
The trip around Australia was a marvellous experience for Mark, as he was familiar with only three of the capitals, and Sydney and Melbourne were the only ones he really knew. Feted everywhere, it was a unique opportunity. He was surprised at the lack of traffic, the wide open streets and all the churches in Adelaide, he loved the setting of Perth by the Swan River and the friendliness of everyone. Understandably each city showed a little extra attachment to their own gold medallists, Kevin O’Halloran and Shirley Strickland being the toast of the town in Perth, Dawn Fraser, himself and Betty Cuthbert captivating the crowds in Sydney, and so on. There was no gold medallist from Brisbane, but bronze medal sprinter Hec Hogan was treated as if he were one. Brisbane intrigued Mark also. It was so unlike Sydney. Whereas Sydney seemed a sprawling metropolis, Brisbane seemed to be a sleepy little place hardly bigger than a country town. Mark liked the people there, they seemed very friendly and down to earth.
When Mark got back to Sydney, there were urgent messages for him both at the airport and at his home. He was booked to leave for the United States on the S.S. Lakemba in two days’ time. It was a 12-passenger ship that was endeavouring to elicit trade between Australia and the Pacific Islands. The ship would pick up supplies at one country or island, and trade to another. They had no set itinerary, so he was not even certain where the ship was heading. It was a rare opportunity for him, as with diminished trade any passenger ship to the United States was now unusual. Mark felt a stirring in his breast, as there was an expectancy of a new life opening up for him.
His parents were a little apprehensive about the whole thing. They had thought it was all a pipe-dream, and suddenly their son, who they now recognised was a national celebrity, would be off to a strange land, and they knew they could not assist him financially. In their own private discussions, they wondered at the wisdom of what Mark was doing, at his ability to survive financially. But they also knew the type of person he was, and understood the determination and ambition that he had.
His most agonising meeting was with Faith. He ran down to her flat as soon as he got home after consulting with his own parents. He knocked on the door urgently and Faith opened it. He drew in his breath as he saw her, he was always entranced with her elf-like appearance. She looked so much in love, her face flushed and her eyes glistening.
“Oh Mark, you are back,” she cried out joyously, “you are back at last. It has seemed like ages. I have missed you so very much.”
“So have I, Faith,” he said seriously. “But there is something I have to tell you, and there is no easy way to do it.” He took a deep breath and gulped it out. “I am leaving on a ship to the United States in two days.”
Her heart sank and the tears welled in her eyes. It was the moment she had resigned herself to, but had dreaded. She tried desperately to stop herself
but she could not, and she was overcome with tears. She just sobbed uncontrollably.
Her parents ran out and saw her distress. “Mark,” her mother exclaimed, “what have you done to her?”
“I am sorry, Mrs Rogers, I was just telling Faith that I had to leave for America in two days. You know I would not knowingly hurt her for anything.”
They all crowded around Faith, but she was completely overcome. They helped her to a chair, but all she could was hold her head in her hands, the tears forcing themselves through her hands and dropping on the floor.
Mark went on one knee next to her, and started to cry himself, overcome with how upset Faith was. “Please stop crying, Faith, please stop crying,” he cried out plaintively. But she was unable to stop herself, and the more she tried the worse she got, approaching hysteria.
Mark suddenly drew himself up. “That is it!” he declared forcefully, wiping away his own tears, “that is it! I am not going. I will tell them I have decided against it. I just cannot do this to you. I am not going, Faith!”
The parents hung back as they watched the drama unfolding, astonished at the intensity of the feelings of both of the youngsters. They knew their daughter was in love, but until this point they had regarded it as puppy-love. Now they were witness to the depth of the commitment of both.
Mark’s declaration seemed to bring Faith back to reality, and she leapt up and into his arms. “No, no, no, Mark! Please, you cannot do that! You must go, I know that and you know that. Your whole life, our whole life, is dependent on it,” she said firmly, despite her parents’ presence. “I guess I hoped it would never happen, that somehow all this would just disappear. I am all right now. It was just the shock when you said it. I have thought about nothing else, and I had planned to accept it all calmly. As you can see, I was not very successful. I am all right now, I have calmed down. Just take me for a walk so I can get some fresh air. Is that all right, Mum?”