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"A life lived in fear is a life half-lived." For those of you familiar with Strictly Ballroom, Jayson Sutcliffe is the embodiment of that hit film's main character. Like dancer, Paul Mecurio in the movie, both men are equal parts rebel and artist, daring to break conventions not only to push themselves, but unafraid to stretch their respective sports in ways no one else could possibly have imagined. The only difference is, Jayson Sutcliffe did it for real. His tale unfolds simply enough. A ten year old boy finds a pair of skates rusting in a relative's shed. Who would guess from this accidental discovery, as Jayson Sutcliffe himself surmises several decades later, they would be "the magic shoes". Spanning 25 years, his career is impressive. Not only has competition taken Sutcliffe around the world, he has mastered both traditional quad and in-line skating. In addition to his victories on wheels, Jayson trained briefly as an ice skater. His international success however, is tinged with a certain irony. Capable of creating mob scenes in Germany and South America, this unassuming young man can walk through the streets of Melbourne almost unnoticed. One of the aims of Jayson's book, I am sure, is to push roller skating closer to Olympic eligibility. These dedicated athletes deserve recognition equal to their counterparts on ice. Sutcliffe writes like he performs, combining the charismatic wit and adventure of a Toller Cranston with the humility and courage of a Rudy Galindo. Now, the the long-anticipated autobiography from Australia's own world champion has finally landed on international bookshelves. This is one story worth the wait. Rolaboi has a real streak of electricity running through it. It is one of those books you can't put down. We are taken on Jayson's rite of passage, tasting the highs and lows of competition with him as he tells it. Funnily enough, you get the feeling other people around him recognise his tremendous gift almost before he does. When Jayson describes the gleeful satisfaction of learning a new jump or finding the perfect piece of music, we're there too. Even the stress of competition is recounted in vivid detail. It would be enough if this is where his story ended, about what it takes to be the best and win. However, Jayson Sutcliffe is a man of many colours. Elite athletes may make the sport look effortless. But here is a brave young man who has had to struggle with peer pressure, schoolyard bullying, family trauma, and his own sexuality on top of the rigors of training. A lesser person would have collapsed. Particularly moving is a conversation Jayson has with his Dad, where his father plainly says, "You know who you are and what you aren't. You don't have to prove yourself to anyone else." Without giving too much away, I defy anyone not to be inspired by this tremendous work. If the name Jayson Sutcliffe was unfamiliar before, after reading Rolaboi: Renegade Skater, I guarantee you'll never forget it. Review by Nick Pilgrim To find out how to order your own copy of Rolaboi, click here |
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Rolaboi:
Rene
