Wilson the Wonder Athlete
As a youngster reading the comics of the day I was always fascinated by the the story of William Wilson which appeared in the Rover and Wizard among other publications.
The back story was that he was born in the village of Stayling in Yorkshire in November 1795 and, through medicine and biology and developing a very effective health and fitness regime, learned how to slow his heart right down, enabling him to extend his life. He lived in the open, was shot down during the Second World War and officially listed as missing but went on to run a three minute mile, compete in the Olympics, bat for England and much more. He was the man called upon for any sport you could name - including many Olympic ones.
Prompted by a writing exercise a few weeks ago I penned my own tribute to Wilson, and offer it as my topical subject, along with an image from the original comics.
Wilson the Wonder Athlete My northern roots stand me in good stead living as I do on the cold moors waiting for the call heart rate slowed to conserve youth diet of loganberries and fire cooked grouse keep me steady in my quiet house I sense the messenger long before he comes in sight Cricket this time I guess, and am right Test series in the balance injury blighted an all-rounder needed so they call for Wilson last time out it was the football someone with a nifty way of scoring goals we all know how close the game is to English hearts, English souls before that the rugby league of course - this is Yorkshire after all the Aussies seemed too powerful the cry went out we need the best the man who ran up Everest they called for Wilson a hundred years I’ve lived here, more since ditching my plane in the war to end all wars since finding comfort in Spartan isolation bracken housed, sheep neighboured a hundred years of diligence and meditation a hundred years I’ve laboured at my unique calling the man who doesn’t age a man for all seasons and that’s the reason they still call for Wilson
Maybe we need that part of ourselves right now
Marvellous, if I may be allowed an oblique pun. I didn't know Wilson, being a Dandy, Beano, Whizzer and Chips and finally 2000AD man but I like the idea that he is always there like King Arthur, ready to rise when we need him. Perhaps he like Arthur and the grey folk knights of the long barrows are reminders of that part of ourselves that is strong and bold and ready for anything. Thank you for putting this out in the world.