Patrick Ewing is Quite Tall

A final piece of seasonal procrastination:

Tall people do not run in my family. My father ran (he could do a mile in 4:30 in the early 1940's, and was a state champion of Mississippi  in longer distances), but he was only 5 ft 8 ins (176 cm) tall. I am the tallest woman in my family at 5 ft 5, although I suspect by now my niece has taken that crown. 

Once upon a time when I lived in Toronto, a kind congregant gave me courtside seats for the Knicks game. I was a little late getting there, and just as I was crossing the court, the national anthems were played and I had to stand still. I found myself standing right next to Patrick Ewing. I just looked it up and he is 7 ft tall (213 cm). I looked up at him and he was so tall. So very tall. I had never before been that close to someone that tall. I didn't yet know the words to the Canadian anthem, so  instead of singing along, I admired Patrick Ewing.

It would certainly be nice to be a bit taller, able to reach for things on the top shelves instead of looking for someone to help me in the supermarket (or trying by myself and ending up buried in a pile of boxes on the floor), able to see what's going on up front and, of course, reducing my BMI measurement. But hey, if I'd have any interest in them, I'm tall enough to be allowed on all the rides at the amusement park; and it's easier to get lost in a crowd if I'm on the run. Not that I am a runner. That is something of my father that passed me by. I prefer buses. Preferably old Routemasters.

Ok, ok, back to work. Go Knicks!

Sir Roger Bannister R.I.P.

Rabbi Dr Albert H Friedlander & Sir Roger Bannister

This afternoon we heard the news that Sir Roger Bannister has died at the age of 88. Although he is best known for being the first runner to break the barrier of 4 minutes for running the mile, as I read through the obituaries and testimonials, it is clear that running was more his avocation, and medicine his vocation. Perhaps, therefore, it was all the more so thrilling for Albert to meet him and have a good conversation together.

bottom left: "Friedlander, miler"

It is a gene that lies most dormant in me, but my father both loved running and had some ability. I understand that he turned down an athletic scholarship to LSU in order to attend the University of Chicago. He could run the mile in about 4 & 1/2 minutes in the early 1940's, and his coach thought he might have a chance in the 1948 Olympics. However, his mother would have none of that (he needed to concentrate on his studies) and over the summer managed to fatten him up enough to thwart this plan!

But today is about Sir Roger, so I will conclude by stating how much Albert admired him as an athlete, and as a mensch. With condolences to his loved ones, may he rest in peace.

running with his children in the park

Appreciation from the BBC website including video of the record-breaking run, and an archival interview.

NY Times obit (behind a paywall but a few free articles available)

Daily Mirror (including several tributes & tweets)

Financial Times obit

The Guardian obit

Runners World obit (annoying pop-up ads)

Bath Chronicle (former Bath schoolboy)

Huffington Post