Steve Waugh: Affirmative attitude

Paula Xiberras

Steve Waugh’s arm isn’t feeling any worse for wear after its workout last Sunday.

The workout wasn’t in the nets, but in the bookshop batting on for a Guinness world record to beat the 4,650 record for a book signing set in China this January. Steve did however sign 2,195 books, which did break the 1951 Australian record of 6 years ago.

Ironically the name Steve means ‘crown or garland’, and indeed former cricketer Steve Waugh has been awarded many garlands and cricketing honours in his time as a player, but in many ways the garlands have and should be awarded to Steve in his work after cricket. A former Australian of the year a lot of his work is done quietly, like mentoring the Australian Olympic team. Steve is also a unique charity worker setting up the Steve Waugh foundation that concentrates on with children that have rare diseases and do not fit the selection criteria required of other foundations.

When I speak to Steve he tells me he hasn’t been to Tassie for a couple of years but remembers it as the part of the cricket tour that offered the most relaxing time. He loves the seafood and the clean air and is keen to visit if someone might like to invite him down here for some fishing?

Earlier this week we spoke about his new book called ‘The meaning of luck’ something that comes from very personal experience. Eight years ago his wife Lynette had a stroke, later she would call it a “stroke of good luck” and so would give Steve the catalyst for the book.

A chapter of the book recounts Lynette’s story but there are also many chapters charting the story of other great people that surmounted difficulties or worked in difficult situations to show how attitude produces its own kind of luck.

Some of the people Steve showcases in his book are Steve Bradbury the Olympic athlete, Reverend Stephen of Calcutta, Nelson Mandela, Mother Therese, Anna Meares, Gary Player and Daly Thomson. He is particularly fond of Steve Bradbury’s story and what Steve had to overcome to gain his success.

‘The meaning of luck’ is out now exclusive to Big W and Woolworth’s stores.

http://www.stevewaughbooks.com.au/.