Barry Golding |
Barry Golding was a man who I had the pleasure to chatting to a couple of times and I was immediately struck by his enthusiasm and community mindedness. He was a very active athlete, coach and mentor to many on the Northern Beaches of Sydney that he had, and for many years to come, will have a lasting affect on. I've read many Facebook tributes this week that spoke of his selfless giving of his time and expertise which not only introduced many to the beautiful sport of running but helped those also achieve their many running goals. In the conversations I had with Barry I could sense that he had the best interests of the sport at heart.
Roger Guard and his wife Jill, were two of the 28 Australian victims of the MH17 tragedy. Roger was a prominent doctor in Toowoomba and a seven time finisher of the Glasshouse 100 miler and from all accounts a very active member of the Queensland trail running scene. I didn't know Roger, but many fellow New South Welsh trail runners who did travel up to race in Queensland did and have only very nice things to say about him.
My thoughts go out to all the family and friends of Barry and Roger and this weekend, I hope we can all take a moment to reflect, whether it's during a training run or a race, on two lives lost and the legacy they have left on their separate running communities.
Roger Guard |