Thursday, April 05, 2007

ONE OF THE BEST



This guy is possibly the nicest sportsman in New Zealand. Hey, possibly the nicest celebrity in New Zealand. How did he get to be so nice?


At the gym this morning he was there. Working out quietly. He always wears his hoody up when he arrives (hoping, I think, to slink in unnoticed). But we all notice. And generally leave him alone. Because that's what Kiwis are like. We're not star struck. Not usually.


Last week we went to a fundraiser at a friend's school. Tana had signed a rugby ball and it was auctioned off for a couple of hundred dollars. I wondered, that night, if when he signs these things he realises how much he helps schools and stuff.


So this morning I took the plunge and told him what a difference he makes. I thought he'd just say thanks and that would be it. But no, 5 minutes later he was still chatting. What a lovely guy.


We need more role models like this. Outstanding at what he does. Not up himself. Unassuming. Great manners. Simply nice.


How did he get to be so nice?

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a lovely story. I blame the parents :-). I just think he is a humble guy who sounds like he was bought up with respect and decent manners. I also think his family keep him grounded after all its all about family.

Penny said...

It's nice you thanked him. I reckon he doesn't get much of that sort of genuine feedback.

Sharon said...

How cool - I bet he loved getting some positive feedback. I seem to recall him putting his family before rugby (shock horror!!) a couple of times and my respect for him climbed hugely after that. Plus he has a great smile :)

Anonymous said...

Hey that's nice that you said hello and thanked him. I kinda *blame* the parents too. Families that support one another.

Anonymous said...

Well that was a warm fuzzy that you shared that in return gave me a warm fuzzy, and probably tana a warm fuzzy too, spread the fuzzys i say lol! It is nice to see that someone so well known goes to a local gym and takes the time, he is what Kiwi's should be all about.

Delys said...

Thats lovely Mel. He is one lovely guy me thinks! And an awesome rugby player and captain.

Lara said...

good on you for saying thank you! I wonder if we do get 'star struck' but to the point where we stay away rather than 'swoon' all over them....maybe more of a tall poppy thing?