degrees of sanity

Those who can, do; those who can't, talk about it. I've always thought that commentators are a vital part of a sport's presentation. A bad one can make you change the channel, a good one can keep you engaged, even if the action is boring. One of the first books I can ever remember asking for at Christmas was Murray Walker's autobiography. I found it utterly fascinating - conscripted into World War II, Murray became an advertising executive (where he continued to work, long into his fame as a commentator) whilst following in his father's footsteps by racing motorcycles at weekends. Murray commentated on his first race in 1948. He brought the same enthusiasm to his work, whether it was the Monaco Grand Prix in Formula 1, a rallycross meeting at Brands Hatch, a Formula Ford meeting at Donington Park or a touring car event at Oulton Park. His first double act partner was the mercurial James Hunt, and they did not always get on - "[James] sat, and [Murray] stood" as they shared the one microphone in the commentary box. But, they entertained millions. His second long standing partnership - with Martin Brundle - is the one for which I will best remember him. Martin stood alongside Murray in the commentary box, and their great partnership brought more fans into Formula One, including their work on the legendary Formula 1 '97 video game. All together now: "You're right there, Murray". His humorous errors, dubbed "Murrayisms", further endeared him to fans: "With half the race gone, there is still half the race to go" among the highlights. But, his meticulous pre-race preparation and encyclopaedic knowledge of his craft meant he was held in high esteem by his colleagues and peers. I can barely remember what I did last week, but some lines of commentary have stuck with me for years. His was the dream job - travelling to motor races around the world, and being paid to talk about it. I wouldn't be the fan of motor racing I am today if I didn't have Murray to guide me through it. He was the definitive voice of my childhood. And I've got to stop, because I've got a lump in my throat. #MurrayWalker • #RIP • #RIPMurrayWalker • #F1 • #FormulaOne • #Formula1 • #BTCC • #Motorsport https://www.instagram.com/p/CMXqPulHVHI/?igshid=7hciu73lll6y

#TBT Christmas is going to look very different this year, so reminiscing about one of my favourite childhood Christmases. Lucky to get the Tracey Island playset as well as bring the pilot of Thunderbird 1. The stuff a four year old's dreams are made of. #Throwback #ThrowbackThursday #YoungRhys #Thunderbirds #ThunderbirdsAreGo https://www.instagram.com/p/CI6Ehv2Je6g/?igshid=178vxnivrzvwb

Before Sky became this global media monolith, back in the days when their daytime schedule consisted of imported cartoons and game shows, they used to air episodes of a show called “Classic Concentration”. There, I first met a warm and kind man, who I learned later was one of the most beloved broadcasters in North America. In that show, the phrase “Not a match, the board goes back” was used, one of my favourite game show catchphrases.
Of course, everyone knows him as the host of one of the longest-running and most popular game shows in history. He was one of the best at his craft. I wanted to be like him. To host, to celebrate intellect and competition, with charm and a little twinkle in the eye.
The appearance in one of the best “Cheers” episodes will be noted, but his appearances in both “Rugrats” and “How I Met Your Mother” were both highlights. I adopted his pronunciation of “Hulk Hogan” after I re-watched his appearance at WrestleMania VII. The outpouring of love for the great man has stretched far and wide since the announcement of his passing.
I lost my Uncle to pancreatic cancer in December 2019. Like him, Alex continued to fight until the very end, even when the prognosis said other wise. The joy he gave millions around the world by his presence on “Jeopardy!” gave comfort to everyone.
A friendly voice who became a staple in the lives of millions for decades, this man is one of Canada’s most beloved exports.
“Who is Alex Trebek?”
#RIP #RIPAlexTrebek #Jeopardy #WeLoveYouAlex #WeLoveYouAlexTrebek
https://www.instagram.com/p/CHV7e9ep-Fk/?igshid=1rxbh7yf6cyd1

I’m not proud that I once tried to take my own life, but I am glad that I found help and support to keep me going. The slogans I wear on my t-shirts some days are the truth. No one else can play your part. #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #WSPD #TWLOHA
https://www.instagram.com/p/CE848yypc18/?igshid=5dko2wnfuz1t