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A Loss of Greatness
Dec. 20th, 2004 08:15 pmI'm recovering from a cold at the moment. I've been blowing my nose a lot, and thinking about blowing my nose even more. With the topic still fresh on my mind, it was something of tragic coincidence to hear on the news that Pierre L'Honk passed away on the weekend.
He was only 47.
I've never had much interest in mainstream sport but I've always enjoyed nose blowing. In fact, it's principle reason I pay to get the sports channels on Beartel.
For those that don't follow the nasal sports, I will explain.
The Nose Blowing Championships are held every two years, in various locations around the world. They mark the end of nose blowing season and a win there is normally the high point of any career. Some of the American contests pay greater dividends financially and the Osaka Blow Off is famed for the introduction of new techniques, but none carry the prestige of the NBC.
The 1974 championships took place in Montreal. Many people, myself included, consider it to have been the sports greatest year. Pollen counts were high in Canada that summer and performances in all categories were of an exceptional standard but even within such a rich tapestry of talent and mucus, one bear stood out.
Pierre L'Honk was little known outside his native Quebec and had entered only after months of nagging from friends and family. A tall bear, he had a passion for blowing but had previously competed only with himself. Once committed to the NBC, though, he set himself a training course that few others would have the stamina to undertake.
And the effort paid off. He went from complete unknown to World Champion in a single season. The story of his training Two Nostrils, One Goal was the biggest selling sports biography of the decade. The famous chef, Snootie Bertand, created a sandwich in his honour. School children from his hometown raised $40,000 to commission a statue of him. When the statue was complete, the artist refused payment and the money was donated to charity. Pierre inspired everyone to better actions.
When L'Honk took his first blow in '74 it was obvious he was great. Thirty years later, his blowmanship has become legendary. He set 17 world records that year. 12 of them still stand and although well documented, 2 of them are considered technically impossible and may never be broken.
-----------
Rest in peace, Pierre L'Honk.
You were my hero. I think of you whenever I sniffle.
He was only 47.
I've never had much interest in mainstream sport but I've always enjoyed nose blowing. In fact, it's principle reason I pay to get the sports channels on Beartel.
For those that don't follow the nasal sports, I will explain.
The Nose Blowing Championships are held every two years, in various locations around the world. They mark the end of nose blowing season and a win there is normally the high point of any career. Some of the American contests pay greater dividends financially and the Osaka Blow Off is famed for the introduction of new techniques, but none carry the prestige of the NBC.
The 1974 championships took place in Montreal. Many people, myself included, consider it to have been the sports greatest year. Pollen counts were high in Canada that summer and performances in all categories were of an exceptional standard but even within such a rich tapestry of talent and mucus, one bear stood out.
Pierre L'Honk was little known outside his native Quebec and had entered only after months of nagging from friends and family. A tall bear, he had a passion for blowing but had previously competed only with himself. Once committed to the NBC, though, he set himself a training course that few others would have the stamina to undertake.
And the effort paid off. He went from complete unknown to World Champion in a single season. The story of his training Two Nostrils, One Goal was the biggest selling sports biography of the decade. The famous chef, Snootie Bertand, created a sandwich in his honour. School children from his hometown raised $40,000 to commission a statue of him. When the statue was complete, the artist refused payment and the money was donated to charity. Pierre inspired everyone to better actions.
When L'Honk took his first blow in '74 it was obvious he was great. Thirty years later, his blowmanship has become legendary. He set 17 world records that year. 12 of them still stand and although well documented, 2 of them are considered technically impossible and may never be broken.
-----------
Rest in peace, Pierre L'Honk.
You were my hero. I think of you whenever I sniffle.
