NELSON, Michael

1990

Brisbane

Although it wasn't explicitly stated at Brisbane Grammar, it was heavily implied to all starting students that it was mandatory to take up a sport. Noting that when it came to ball skills, I had the reflexes and hand-eye coordination of a leg display mannequin, and out of a genuine interest in the sport, I opted to take up fencing. After two years of a very casual relationship with it, at age 15, I fluked my way into the grade 10 A team. With this, I decided I should train harder - that is, at all - and at least try to avoid embarrassing myself. Here is where I consider my career to have begun, and I'm pleased to say that I never have to know who I would have been if I hadn't made this decision.