The validity of Somebeachsomewhere winning any type of award outside of the O'Briens has been discussed to great measure both on the Standardbred Canada website and in various Canadian media outlets as of late. Calgary Herald columnist Bruce Dowbiggin has chimed in with a piece discussing the issue.
Dowbiggin tackles the question of, "should a horse win Canada's athlete of the year (Somebeachsomewhere)? How about a guy who sits atop a horse (Eric Lamaze)? For that matter, how about a woman who sits in a wheelchair (Chantal Petitclerc)?"
Dowbiggin wrote, "If one can ask the role of Hickstead (a horse) in Lamaze's success, then it is fair to ask the part Petitclerc's wheelchair plays in her transcendent performances?"
In the article, Dowbiggin lists his top five for the Lou Marsh Trophy -- which recognizes Canada's athlete of the year. Dowbiggin does list Somebeachsomewhere in his top five. Click here to read the article.
Standardbred Canada -- which congratulated Chantal Petitclerc for her outstanding contributions to Canadian sport in 2008 and eventual Lou Marsh Trophy victory -- continues to lead the charge to see Somebeachsomewhere recognized for his tremendous athletic accomplishments in '08.
After having put forth 'The Beach's name to be considered for the Lou Marsh Award, SC continues to follow suit with the Lionel Conacher Award. The award, also voted on annually, is given to Canada's Male Athlete of the Year. The award, first given in 1932, is voted upon by members of the Canadian Press.
(With files from the Calgary Herald)
yeah eric is actually very
yeah eric is actually very deserving of the award. He has worked hard for his suess and it was not just Hickstead. He does not just " Sit On Top Of A Horse" he is very talented and it is alot of work riding a horse.
Of course a horse that is
Of course a horse that is active in a sport is an athlete, regardless of standardbred, thoroughbred, etc. These horses train, maintain their diet and compete just like their human counterparts.
Bruce, your thoughtful
Bruce, your thoughtful insight continues to elevate the quality of the Herald.
SBSW dominated his sport like no other in Canada. He deserves the award.
Great comments Bruce, except
Great comments Bruce, except you inform us that SBSW is a 'trotter'. Did I miss the match race against Deweycheatumnhowe?