I was nervous for Ray as he crossed the field to compete in the discus at the Great Barrier Reef Masters Games. The day had arrived. We have returned to Cairns so that Ray can compete in the games, it seemed like a good opportunity. He has entered in 5 field events over 2 days, discus being his favourite, the event that he normally dominates. 

Caleb was nervous too, and had been training Ray for the last month. They had been finding vacant grassed areas all over outback Queensland and letting the discus fly. 

Because he was Ray’s coach, I had promised Caleb $20 if Ray managed to bring home a gold medal for discus. In hindsight, this was very clever of me to state specifically that it had to be a gold medal in discus because over the two days Ray won 5 gold medals and one silver. It could have been very expensive! 
He competed in discus, shot put, weight throw, hammer throw and javelin, which he got 2nd place in. It is amazing that the skills he was taught in school in these events stayed with him and he was able to achieve great results. 

Caleb and I enjoyed watching and encouraging Ray, although it called for a “super kid” degree of patience throughout the two days. Caleb had a photo taken with Ray and another competitor, Ian, receiving a gold medal for patience. He was so chuffed to be standing on the #1 dias. 

Ian had a camera just like the one he has been saving for since my friend Karen came to Airlie Beach with hers. With Ian’s permission, Caleb soon had it in his hot little hands and was taking photos of all the action. He is still adamant that he wants to be a photographer but isn’t keen to take photos on any device unless it looks like a “proper” camera.

We were so very proud of Ray, he tried his best and had a go. Caleb kept telling him that it didn’t matter if he didn’t get a medal in any other events just as long as he did in discus! Money motivates!