“Once an Olympian, always an Olympian,” remarked former Geelong athlete Bob Joyce as he again stepped onto the hallowed MCG turf.
The stadium was almost empty, compared to when the then 20-year-old walked onto the ’G in front 103,000 people on November 27 for the 1956 Olympics opening ceremony.
“He was saying that the oval was smaller than it used to be,” said grandson and chaperone for the special day, Jack Joyce.
Mr Joyce, a former Geelong Grammar student and member of Geelong Guild Athletic Club, was the fastest qualifier at the Australian trials for the 110 metre hurdles.
But he missed the 1956 Olympic finals due to the might of the American sprinters.
Mercy Place Colac staff and residents formed a guard of honour for the 85-year-old as he took a limousine from Colac to the MCG last Wednesday.
The day was part the aged care provider’s Imagine initiative to allow residents to fulfill a lifelong dream.
While Bob was a bit overwhelmed by the media attention, his son Matt said he was happy to return to the ’G, especially with COVID-19 limiting his ability to get out regularly.
“He was a bit taken aback, but it was a real reminder for him and a proud moment for our family,” Matt said.
One of Bob’s two daughters is retired former world champion rower Rebecca Joyce, who won bronze at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and lives in Singapore.
