A tale of my intense passion
for all sports throughout my life.




'The important thing in the
Olympic Games is not to
win but to take part;
just as the important thing in life
is not the triumph but the struggle.
The essential thing is not to have conquered
but to have fought well'.


Baron Pierre de Coubertin
(Founder of the Modern Olympic Games)



Those words apply to active sportsmen and not passive sports lovers/watchers like me. This book is not written by a famous sportsman; it has been written for the countless sports enthusiasts throughout South Africa, who like me might not have too much sporting talent. Writing this work has certainly been a pleasure reminiscing about the past and it has not been a struggle for me.

This work is dedicated to my father Raymond Carruthers, who is well known in South Africa (for business and his great love for sport) and he instilled in me from a very young age a great love for all kinds of sports. RC still lives in Durban and is a great follower of Natal sport, especially rugby and cricket since changing his loyalties from Western Province many years ago.

Also thank you mom (Hazel) for giving me a bit of your creativity. You weren't much of a sportswoman but you are a familiar sight walking around Claremont. I still remember your illustrious golfing career when you and your great friend Ria Louw had lessons at the Clovelly Country Club to the amusement of the pro.