Tuesday 12 February 2013

A Tribute to Harry Faulkner - A True Athlete

I'm stepping away from covering the Washington Capitals today to bring you a story of a young man who was an inspirational athlete and an amazing person. He had a major impact on my life and I hope he can provide some inspiration for you too.

My phone rang at 2:30 PM on Friday 8th February 2013. I had just finished lessons for the day and was heading home. I picked up, and it was my friend Max. But something was wrong - "Cam, you know you mentioned Harry was playing squash last night..."

I should add some explanation here. Harry was a good friend of both mine and Max, who was very popular at school and renowned for his incredible athletic ability - especially squash, where he was a top player, winning tournaments and even having a world ranking at the age of eighteen.

Here's the three of us together, mucking around on Max's laptop in our Sociology class last week:
Left to right (Myself, Max and Harry)
Max's voiced cracked a bit. "Cam... I don't know how to tell you this, but Harry collapsed during the match and had a heart attack. He didn't make it." I was shocked. I still am - as a teenager, you think you're immortal. I'd texted Harry and had a conversation with him just before he stepped on court. I'd even trained at the squash courts with him that afternoon, and he was completely normal.

First and foremost, as an athlete, Harry was amazing. He would dash around the court like a bolt of lightning and you couldn't see the ball he'd hit it so hard. We had a running joke that I couldn't even score a point against him if he played left handed - which was, unfortunately for me, true! I've known some high level athletes in various different sports in the last few years, and none of them had the level of natural talent that Harry had for his sport - he was built for the squash court.

But it wasn't just his talent that made him such a great player, he had the best work ethic of anyone I've ever known. He would spend hours training for what seemed like every day, giving 100% every single session - he'd often go to tournaments at the weekends, sometimes even in other countries. I remember he won the Polish Junior Open in Warsaw late last year - then just came back into school like nothing had happened. That was another thing about Harry, he was so humble, completely downplaying his incredible talent.

This mix of raw talent, dedication and his humble nature made for a real sportsman. Whilst it is normal for an athlete to have one or two of these qualities, he had all three. That's what made him great.

Away from sport, I'm very proud to say he was my friend. He would always be ready with advice for me, and listened to all of my problems. It's rare you meet a person who is a genuinely kind and friendly, all the time - he'd never say a bad word about anyone. Harry even followed this blog on twitter, just because I write on it! Despite all his commitments to squash, he maintained great grades at school and had offers from multiple universities.

After a hard couple of days, I played hockey at the weekend for my team as usual, as I knew it would be what Harry wanted. I went into the game with his philosophy - always give everything you've got. I put on a black armband in his memory, and went on to play my best game I can remember, against the top team in our league no less. It just shows what an impact he had.

Whether you're an athlete or not, Harry's philosophy was a great one to live by. Work hard, be happy, enjoy people and forget your troubles.

Rest in peace my friend, I will always remember you.

30th December 1994 - 7th February 2013

52 comments:

  1. As Abe Lincoln wrote to Mrs. Bixby upon learning her 5 sons had died in the Civil War...

    I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. Memories are very important and I will always remember him.

      Delete
  2. Lovely tribute. What a terrible loss. Thoughts to you and Harry's family from DC.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks. It wasn't easy to write, but it was the least I could do for him

      Delete
  3. Cam, I'm sorry for your loss man. This is a beautiful tribute. Keep up the great work! - Ian of RMNB

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Ian, it means a lot as you are journalistic inspiration of mine

      Delete
  4. Ι'm amazed, I have to admit. Seldom do I encounter a blog that's equаlly educatіvе anԁ amusing, and withоut a
    doubt, уou have hit the naіl on the head.
    Тhe problem іѕ somеthing
    not еnough peoplе are speaking intelligently аbοut.
    Ӏ'm very happy that I found this in my hunt for something regarding this.

    Also visit my website - sexi cams

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm really loving the theme/design of your web site. Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility issues? A small number of my blog visitors have complained about my website not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Firefox. Do you have any tips to help fix this problem?

    My web page live camera porn free

    ReplyDelete
  6. What's up everybody, here every one is sharing such know-how, thus it's good to read this blog, and I used to go to see this web site everyday.


    Here is my homepage :: cam live sex free

    ReplyDelete
  7. Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I'm impressed! Extremely useful information specifically the last part :) I care for such info much. I was seeking this certain information for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.

    Also visit my web page webcam live sex shows

    ReplyDelete
  8. Right now it looks like Expression Engine is the top blogging platform out there right now.
    (from what I've read) Is that what you're using on your blog?


    Here is my web-site - online cam

    ReplyDelete
  9. It is perfect time to make some plans for the future
    and it's time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you few interesting things or suggestions. Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article. I want to read more things about it!

    my blog; adult chat cams

    ReplyDelete
  10. I truly love your site.. Excellent colors & theme.
    Did you make this web site yourself? Please reply back
    as I'm looking to create my own personal blog and would love to learn where you got this from or just what the theme is named. Kudos!

    Here is my blog post live amateur porn

    ReplyDelete
  11. you're truly a excellent webmaster. The web site loading velocity is amazing. It sort of feels that you are doing any unique trick. Moreover, The contents are masterwork. you've performed a wonderful process
    on this matter!

    Check out my webpage :: live video sex

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks for finally writing about > "A Tribute to Harry Faulkner - A True Athlete" < Loved it!

    Here is my blog post :: http:
    //Playedonline.com/

    ReplyDelete
  13. There is definately a lot to find out about this subject.

    I love all the points you've made.

    My weblog sex porn cams

    ReplyDelete
  14. I have been exploring for a little for any high quality articles or
    weblog posts on this sort of space . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this web site.
    Reading this info So i'm satisfied to exhibit that I've a very
    excellent uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed.
    I such a lot certainly will make sure to don?
    t fail to remember this website and give it
    a look on a continuing basis.

    Take a look at my web blog - free cam chats

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'm not sure why but this site is loading extremely slow for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a issue on my end? I'll check back
    later and see if the problem still exists.

    Also visit my blog :: http://Beanrandom88.Stripgenerator.com/gallery

    ReplyDelete
  16. What's Going down i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It positively helpful and it has helped me out loads. I'm
    hoping to contribute & help other customers like its aided me.
    Great job.

    Look at my page ... live sex on cam

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wonderful blog! Do you have any tips and hints for aspiring writers?
    I'm planning to start my own blog soon but I'm a little lost on everything.

    Would you advise starting with a free platform like Wordpress or go for a paid option?

    There are so many choices out there that I'm totally confused .. Any ideas? Kudos!

    my weblog - http://www.futureinternetofamerica.com/user/view/profile/login/iraujxrgl

    ReplyDelete
  18. Wow, fantastic blog layout! How long have you been blogging
    for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your site is excellent, let alone the content!


    Here is my web page http://flavorchem.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Sweet blog! I found it while searching on Yahoo News.
    Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News?

    I've been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Cheers

    Feel free to surf to my webpage: wiki.Mabotech.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hello, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility issues.
    When I look at your blog in Ie, it looks fine but when
    opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.

    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, wonderful blog!


    My site: webcam sex cam

    ReplyDelete
  21. I'm really enjoying the design and layout of your website. It's a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often.
    Did you hire out a developer to create your theme?

    Exceptional work!

    my web site: live web chat

    ReplyDelete
  22. You need to be a part of a contest for one of the best websites on
    the net. I most certainly will recommend this blog!

    Take a look at my homepage; broadcast live sex

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi there, just wanted to tell you, I loved this blog post.
    It was inspiring. Keep on posting!

    my website: free live sex cams free

    ReplyDelete
  24. After checking out a few of the blog posts on your website, I honestly like your way of blogging.
    I book-marked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon.
    Please visit my web site too and let me know what you think.


    My web site :: cam chat rooms

    ReplyDelete
  25. Woah! I'm really loving the template/theme of this blog. It's simple, yet
    effective. A lot of times it's difficult to get that "perfect balance" between user friendliness and visual appeal. I must say you've done a great job with this.
    In addition, the blog loads super quick for me on Firefox.

    Outstanding Blog!

    my website: sex webcam free

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I truly appreciate your efforts and I will be waiting for your next write ups thanks once again.



    My weblog - Patch.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. It's amazing to go to see this web page and reading the views of all colleagues about this paragraph, while I am also eager of getting familiarity.

    my website; people having live sex

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hi there to every body, it's my first go to see of this web site; this webpage consists of remarkable and in fact excellent material designed for readers.

    Here is my webpage; free chat forums

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hello, i think that i saw you visited my blog thus i came to return the desire?
    .I'm attempting to in finding things to enhance my web site!I suppose its good enough to use some of your concepts!!

    Look at my site :: http://dimattinacoffee.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  30. An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a co-worker who has
    been conducting a little research on this. And he actually ordered
    me dinner because I found it for him... lol. So allow me to reword
    this.... Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending some time to discuss
    this subject here on your web site.

    Also visit my page ... Chaussure De Foot Pas Cher

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thank you for sharing your info. I really appreciate your efforts and I
    am waiting for your next write ups thanks once again.


    Feel free to surf to my webpage sexygirlchat.net

    ReplyDelete
  32. Garneill rosacea treatment

    Here is my site ... rosacea treatment North Quincy

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hi there! Do you know if they make any plugins to
    safeguard against hackers? I'm kinda paranoid about losing everything I've worked hard on.
    Any recommendations?

    Also visit my webpage: http://Churchbeauty.Com/member/421480/

    ReplyDelete
  34. I read this paragraph completely regarding the comparison of hottest
    and preceding technologies, it's awesome article.

    my webpage ... live chat porn sites (www.pet-files.com)

    ReplyDelete
  35. Greetings from Carolina! I'm bored to tears at work so I decided to check out your site on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the info you present here and can't wait to take a look when I get home.
    I'm shocked at how fast your blog loaded on my mobile .. I'm not even using WIFI, just
    3G .. Anyways, great blog!

    my website - chat rooms that are free *http://every4one.com*

    ReplyDelete
  36. This site was... how do you say it? Relevant!

    ! Finally I have found something which helped me.

    Thanks a lot!

    Feel free to visit my blog post; fre live porn

    ReplyDelete
  37. Does your site have a contact page? I'm having a tough time locating it but, I'd like
    to shoot you an email. I've got some suggestions for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great website and I look forward to seeing it expand over time.

    my web page; Video sex online chat

    ReplyDelete
  38. I'm extremely impressed along with your writing skills as well as with the format on your weblog. Is that this a paid subject matter or did you modify it yourself? Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it's
    rare to look a nice weblog like this one these days..


    Also visit my web page: freeporno live

    ReplyDelete
  39. Excellent way of describing, and good paragraph to obtain data concerning my presentation subject, which i am going to present in
    college.

    my homepage :: free web sex cam chat

    ReplyDelete
  40. Excellent blog! Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers?
    I'm hoping to start my own blog soon but I'm a little lost
    on everything. Would you recommend starting with a free platform
    like Wordpress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there
    that I'm completely overwhelmed .. Any ideas? Thanks!

    Here is my web blog ... live web sex

    ReplyDelete
  41. Superb post but I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this subject?
    I'd be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Kudos!

    Here is my page ... sex live free cam

    ReplyDelete
  42. It is the best time to make a few plans for the
    longer term and it is time to be happy. I've read this submit and if I could I wish to counsel you some fascinating things or suggestions. Maybe you can write subsequent articles relating to this article. I wish to read more issues about it!

    Review my homepage live chat sexy free

    ReplyDelete
  43. Wonderful, what a weblog it is! This webpage provides helpful facts
    to us, keep it up.

    Also visit my web-site free cam sex chat [mentesverdes.com]

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hmm is anyone else having problems with the pictures on this blog
    loading? I'm trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it's the blog.

    Any responses would be greatly appreciated.

    Here is my blog post; freewebcams (vigele.com)

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hey there! Someone in my Facebook group shared this site with
    us so I came to take a look. I'm definitely enjoying the information. I'm bookmarking and will
    be tweeting this to my followers! Superb blog and great design and style.



    Feel free to surf to my web site ... livexxx ()

    ReplyDelete
  46. Excellent post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Extremely helpful infomation. I care for such information a lot. I was looking for this certain information for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.
    lesbian free chat

    ReplyDelete
  47. I would like to thank you for your best written post, its informative and your writing style help me to read it till end. Thanks.
    live webcam sex

    ReplyDelete
  48. Your article is extremely impressive. I never considered that it was feasible to accomplish something like that until after I looked over your post.
    hot girls online

    ReplyDelete
  49. This is a topic of my interest. I love reading through your blog, I wanted to leave a little comment to support you and wish you a good continuation. Wishing you the best of luck for all your blogging efforts. ts torrent.
    live webcam sex

    ReplyDelete