Naked Hero - The Journey Away

accepted the silver cup.
    As once before, he looked at a trophy, and saw his name etched onto the roll of honour – that was good, but there was no eruption this time. As once before, he kissed the cup then held it aloft for all to see. Slowly he rotated, until at last he saw the man who had sat there throughout and watched. There was no need this time to look to the sky – on this occasion Lewis dedicated his triumph to the living. And then his face erupted with happiness – a picture of joy as he kissed the cup.
    Cliff Drysdale invited Mr. Kim, vice president of KIA Motors, to present the winner’s cheque, which Lewis gleefully took and placed in the silverware. Then the interviewer wandered over to hear what he had to say.
    “Congratulations, Lewis, a great victory. How does it feel to be a Grand Slam winner again?”
    “Pretty amazing!” he said with a shake of his head. “It hasn’t quite sunk in...” He paused for a moment and tried to let it do so. Who would care if there were no more words? Who would care if he just stood there, dumbstruck? He had done enough. But the words came - more considered this time, and much less dramatic.
    “It was an incredible match... I can’t remember ever being involved in one as exciting as that... or as sporting.” Then with a look towards his vanquished opponent, he added, “Thank you, Tommy - it was a privilege. You’ve been such an inspiration to me, and all the players. I’m sure you’ll be back in the final again, and get your hands on this trophy once more.”
    He waited a few moments for the renewed applause for the ex-champion to subside then continued, “Before I forget. I should also thank the organisers for doing such a great job over the past fortnight, and the sponsors for this cheque. Very tidy! I intend to put it to good use... I want to thank the fans as well, for their support... for all the players that have been here over the fortnight... and especially those here today, for accepting me the way you did. That was very special... thank you.”
    After another round of cheering, Lewis turned to face his supporters. “Of course I have to give the biggest thanks to those people over there that made this all possible for me. Everyone had a part to play: Jim, Scott, Mike, Fiona, Chantal, Marie and Lee. Remove one name... and you would have to remove my name from this trophy. But if there’s one person that has done more to help me get my name on it, then it’s only right that his name is on here as well. Mr. Scott Taylor. You have my eternal thanks for what you have given me this fortnight.”
    More cheering followed as Scott took his bow.
    “It looked for a moment that it might be slipping away from you, Lewis - it was one heck of a comeback,” the interviewer then prompted.
    “You can never write Tommy off. I’m just glad that I managed to hang in there at the end. It really could have gone either way. I had some luck with me today,” answered Lewis, his right hand involuntarily dropping to his side, just to confirm that it was still there in his pocket.
    “A bit of inspiration from the shirts as well, perhaps?”
    “They are inspiring. Aren’t they!” enthused Lewis, beaming another champion smile. “It was a privilege to wear them: a privilege to wear them here, in Australia. Dreamtime! That’s what this is for me.”
    “A change at the end - is this the Macleod tartan?” the interviewer asked, nodding at the shirt Lewis still wore despite it being drenched in sweat
    “The Loud Macleod!” laughed Lewis. “I think it suits me.”
    After the crowd laughter died down, a throw-away question was asked, expecting some bland throw-away answer. “You mentioned earlier that you hoped to put the prize money to good use. What do you have in store for it, Lewis?”
    Lewis took a moment then decided what the hell – they would learn about it soon enough, and he was learning the art of promoting himself – the tide was turning dramatically on that one! “Well, I was lucky enough to go along to a gallery and see some of the incredible works of art that the other shirts are based on. It wasn’t my idea to do them. I have to thank my friend Lee for having the imagination to create the designs. It’s not on the shirts, but there was one painting in particular that I really liked, and as luck would have it - it’s up for sale. Fortunately this cheque will more than cover it - leaving me with a few quid to spare for the party that’s