Dear Editor,
For me it was heartening to read ‘Mitchell chalks up 100th consecutive local victory.’ While I did somewhat harbour the thought of one of his younger and determined rivals clipping his wings en route to his golden goal, as I had mentioned when he chalked up eighty consecutive victories, I still was never unduly worried. I knew, implanted and indelible in Rudy’s mind, was that century landmark on which his eyes were focused, and that he was determined not to be dethroned. He finally triumphed with flying colours. This indeed is a remarkable feat that all Lindeners and indeed Guyana can be proud of. Let me repeat once more that 100 consecutive victories, in whatever discipline, is not easy to accomplish; not impossible, yes! but somewhat improbable. Lindeners have now come to know two outstanding walk race athletes they can boast about in the persons of former ‘walking machine,’ Harry Mervin, and our now current champion Rudy Mitchell, both hitherto unmatched. I do not in the least way intend to take anything away from Rudy’s accomplishment, but I need to go off a bit here; I want to say that Harry Mervin too in his time was a marvel. I don’t remember anyone ever beating him (I’m subject to correction). So it is my view that he too chalked up numberless consecutive victories that unfortunately were not recorded, and Harry had competed well over a hundred times.
Harry never waited for a competition to be in action; he was always in action with an invisible competitor whenever he was going to the market, to work or elsewhere. He was forever in a blaze of speed to the amusement and amazement of Lindeners. He walked for the sake of walking, at a time when the game was even less popular and competitive, and was mostly seen at the Guymine games – Guymine vs Guystac. I am not sure whether he had the endurance of Rudy but for me he was the fastest we ever had – no disrespect to Rudy.
With this record set by Rudy in walk-racing, and which we will not see broken in a very, very long time, I do hope that the relevant authority in the Ministry of Sport will soon meaningfully honour him in a substantial way. He has struggled in every sense of the word to arrive at this landmark; his has been a virtual one-man show, with very little assistance. I further look forward to the Linden chapter of the Athletics Association and other well-known sports organization playing their part in recognizing the remarkable Linden walker. Congratulations Rudy – Well Done!
Yours faithfully,
Frank Fyffe
