Someone has to be second in this life

I’M just an average bloke.

Always have been, even going back to when I was a kid.

I assume that I always will be.

Somehow when the babymaking fairies were making me, they forgot to add a little extra greatness to the mix. What makes me say this? Let me take you through a quick trip of my life — it’s pretty mediocre.

First there was the egg and spoon race.

In primary school the egg and spoon race was always my event.

I was a damn fine egg and spooner … until the final 10m.

For years in a row I would be leading the race, literally metres ahead of my opponent. Then my egg would fall off. I’d frantically try to scoop it back on to my spoon, but by the time my shaking hands could do it, someone would catch me. Second place ribbon. I’ve got a lot of them. Swimming sports? One year I was the last leg of our 50m freestyle relay team.

Our house was coming last until I got into the pool. I powered by everyone … except the winners. Second place ribbon. In high school I was a really good student. I studied hard, always did revision before my exams, was well prepared. I’ve lost count at how many B+ marks I accrued over my time. It’s actually a running joke in our house. I’m Mr B+ to my Old Man.

Dad: Like your story on Geelong today. Me: Thanks, dad. Dad: Yup, I’d give it a B+.

This week I was nominated for two sports journalism awards.

I walked away with two commendations and no wins.

I’m pretty sure that probably counts as a B+ as well.

But I don’t really care about that.

Someone has read my story and thought highly enough of it to agree that it should be in the running for an award.

It’s just an honour to be nominated for those sort of things.

Mr Commendation, Mr B+, Mr Average — whatever you want to call me is fine.

I’m more than happy to embrace just how average I am.

I’m just looking forward to writing a Take Two in the future about my Division 2 Powerball victory.

Or the time I win $1 million Division 1 Oz Lotto and, in the first time in history, have to share it with just 100 other people.