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Percy's passing was unexpected but totally fitting at the same time, being that he'd just completed another swim session at the Claremont Pool where Swim Smooth is based (featured in last week's blog). I was personally there when Perc passed, having just been discussing his accomplishments with him (which he loved to do) not 20 minutes before. I had been admiring his latest medal haul which he was carrying around in a Coles plastic shopping bag! As everyone agrees over here in the WA swimming community, it was a fitting farewell to such a beloved character and something the world's most passionate swimmer might have scripted for himself.
I first met Perc when I arrived in Perth in 2002 from the UK. He was one of the first people to come over and chat with the new "pommie" on the swimming circuit down at what has grown to become my favourite race, the 2.2km Cottesloe to Swanbourne swim. Always friendly and always ready to tell a story, Perc was a real character and I remember being amazed at how well a 77 year old was competing against the young guns in the tough ocean conditions.
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Back in 2004 when we released the first Swim Smooth DVD, I discussed just how important it is to find enjoyment within your swimming to help motivate you to get down to the pool and make progress with your technique, fitness and open water skills. Sadly over the years we have seen so many athletes getting into swimming but seeing it only as a necessary evil to complete a triathlon event. This proves to be a huge barrier to progress for so many people. If you have ever felt this way yourself, I just hope that you can take an ounce of inspiration from Perc by getting down to the pool and having a lightness and positivity in your attitude towards your swimming. Keep a smile on your face and enjoy being immersed in the water for all the positive benefits it brings you.
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Perc had three children, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He will be sadly missed within our local swimming community in Perth and no doubt much wider afield as well. Personally I feel blessed to have known and been inspired by such an amazing person over the last 10 years and I will miss our poolside banter tremendously.
Thank you Perc for all the memories and for fuelling my own passion for swimming.
Paul
Paul Newsome
Swim Smooth Head Coach
12 comments:
Dear Paul, your email/post really touched me.
And reminded me of the important thing - the joy factor in swimming.
Thanks much for sharing!
What a lovely remembrance of what sounds like an amazing person! I work every day to inspire such comments :) Thank you for sharing Perc's amazing story with those who were not lucky enough to know him!
My condolences to all of u who new Perc. He sounded like an amazing person.
What a fantastic post!!! The enthusiasm and positive way you speak about your friend gives us all a glimpse of what a GREAT BLOKE he sounded I'm sure your swim community and all that knew him will feel a sad loss. R.I.P. Perc.
Very uplifting story and great advice for those who may be forgetting the joys of swimming. Thanks for this.
I also want to swim until my last day... and afterwards: meet Perc and have a talk with him.
Rainer, Vienna/Austria
As an age-group tri-athlete who enjoys swimming, this is a great story. We can go on for as long as we feel up to it. Swim hats off to Perc! He has shown us the way and I'm sure you'll all miss him. RIP.
Unreal timing. I literally just told my wife that I decided not to go for a swim today because I didn't feel like it. Instead, I decided to check email. Your blog about Perc was the first thing I read. Thank-you for bringing things back into perspective. What a priviledge to have the opportunity to swim. My condolences for your loss in Perc. He has inspired many around the world, myself included. Thank-you for sharing.
So nice to read, Paul. Thank you for sharing.
So sorry for your loss. But on the other hand you should be happy for Perc who lived his life to the fullest and died doing what he loved most. As a tribute listen to this song: Young at Heart
It was the favorite song of Johnny Kelly, who was a Bostonian marathoner that won the Boston marathon twice and continued to ran the race until his 84th birthday and lived to the age of 97.
P.S. I am another age-group triathlete who loves swimming. I am slow but I lived in it for nine months, same as everyone else!
A fitting tribute to a generous, kind and passionate man.
Perc proved that it is all about the journey and not how quickly you get there. Perc his peak just before he passed.
As the swimmers gather together for the start of another ocean swim, one familiar face will not be there anymore, however he will always be remembered.
His story's pretty inspiring! I love swimming and now I'm motivated to practice more, but the problem is that, my mom had pool covers installed in our backyard pool, ever since my cousin had a drowning accident. It's quite hard for me to take them off, but I do understand that they're just trying to keep me safe. I'll still practice anyway, and one day, I'll be as good as this guy. Thanks for sharing the story!
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