A Journey Through Time Introduction

Spinning Wheels Broken Bones Flying Fists *A Journey Through Time….* Kevin Alfred Wetherall
FORWARD I have listened to great men speak. I have read many wonderful books and watched inspirational documentaries seeking inspiration. I need not have travelled far for my motivation, strength or inspiration, for it is close at hand. My Dad, Kevin Alfred Wetherall. Growing up I knew my Dad was special, but it was only after reading his story that I realised what a remarkable life my Dad has lived. Dad was, and is an inspiration to myself. He has provided an enormous amount of encouragement, support and time to assist me with my sport, career and personal ambitions. As a coach and mentor, Dad was way ahead of his time with his ability to combine diet, psychology, tactics and advanced training techniques which has resulted in an outstanding coaching record. The ability to never give up, to hang in there when all seemed lost and to overcome overwhelming odds is one of Dad’s outstanding trademarks. When I look back on Dad’s life during the depression and the society that nurtured him, I have come to realise that Dad is a by product of the society into which he was born. That great economic disaster was the making of him and Australia. Out of this hardship came the realisation that we needed to rely on our initiative and the importance and value of social groups; family, friends, sporting and club organisations, and perhaps the group was more important than the individual. Self belief and a strong desire to succeed has seen Dad develop a philosophy of overcoming any pre-conceived limitations of physical ability and endurance. He reminds us that the human spirit and our boundaries are only limited by our ability to dream and believe. Reading Dad’s story, I got the distinct impression that one of his goals or challenges in life was not to arrive at heaven’s door in a well preserved body, but rather to skid sideways, totally worn out and shouting “what a fantastic ride that was!”
“One crowded hour of glorious life is worth an age without a name” Neil Davis – Australian War Cameraman
It is not how many years a man lives that matters, but what he does with those years, many or few that are granted to him. Dad has certainly done much with his. I am very proud to call Kevin Alfred Wetherall, my Dad. Is it courage, sacrifice, endurance, selflessness, mateship or something else that makes Dad tick? I encourage you to read his story to find the answers to this home grown Australian Hero. Wayne Wetherall December 2006
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