Chance to savour the special memories

There are times as a columnist where inspiration just fails you. There’s nothing. No angle for you to cover in the slot assigned for the weekly ramble. I’ve been a victim in that situation many times.

I was trapped again this week. Except the reason this time is because this is the final one. A chapter is closing as I move on from a job that has brought only good things in the last six years. It might not be permanent, but rather indefinite.

But the time I have had in the world of sports writing has been an absolute treat. As tight as some of the deadlines might have been and as difficult some of the questions were to ask during controversial times I will always only have fond memories.

It came with a bunch of memorable experiences which included meeting many of my childhood heroes, I maintained impartiality I swear, and got to travel to some fantastic events, the highlight no doubt being the Olympic Games in London back in 2012.

It seems an age ago now that the latest renewal is just about done and dusted with the Paralympics

Nick Gordon

serving as the curtain call for Rio de Janeiro’s hosting.

Time is a funny thing, it changes people. A clear example has to be in the picture that has accompanied this column since its inception. It was snapped a long time ago. The guy in the shot is a different person now. I mean I even sport facial hair nowadays.

I’ve been privileged to enjoy the banter of the press box and have made many friends in the process. I was also fortunate enough to have several mentors to choose from as I built my career. I will be forever grateful.

Perhaps I will return at some stage, rejuvenated much like a Dale Steyn or Vernon Philander after returning to Test cricket following injury lay-offs.

The one thing that will, however, never wane is a love of sport. I’ll continue being a long-suffering Arsenal fan, will keep longing for the Proteas to claim a World Cup and for Bafana Bafana to once more emerge as giants of Africa.

To the readers of this column, I know of at least five regulars thanks to the fact that they’re related to me. Thanks for giving me your time and hopefully the words I bashed out on my laptop and the opinions I hold have made sense.

Junctures such as these offer time for reflection, a chance to cherish memories, celebrate friendships and ponder the possibilities that come with new beginnings.