Dear Editor,
With the passing of Neville 'Teddy' McCook, much has been and will be written and voiced in recounting and praising his extraordinary achievements and legacy per se.
But largely unknown to the general public are the personality traits and special qualities that together underpin and account for the achievements of this extraordinary Jamaican.
Permit me the opportunity, as a close family friend, schoolmate (KC mid-1950s), past co-worker, and someone with decades-long involvement in Jamaica's athletics, to give some insight into his make-up, or inner self.
Teddy McCook was a man of extraordinary vision and ideas. But more than that, he had the strategy/plan complete with timeline, to turn those visions and ideas into reality. It did not hurt any that he possessed superb managerial skills.
Before he sought the JAAA's presidency in 1984, he stated plainly that he had some plans, and that he would need three terms (12 years) to put them into effect. He got the three consecutive terms and in 1996, mission accomplished, he stepped down, leaving the power, prestige, and 'perks' of the office of the president behind.
We should pause for a moment and ponder this unusual act, because it is a rare human trait to voluntarily relinquish power, especially after a successful tenure. Almost always, people cling tenaciously to power, poor performance notwithstanding.
McCook's unique ability to get lots of people to work with and for him (without monetary compensation), some for decades, sets him apart from the ordinary. There are persons from the original Gibson Relays committee of 40 years ago who still serve on the committee. Many members of the original committee served up until they departed this life.
He was a man with boundless energy and enthusiasm, even during his 10-year-long illness. He was up and about until a few weeks ago when he was suddenly unable to walk.
A stickler for discipline, he ensured that the weak and the mighty alike complied with the rules.
He believed that the pursuit of popularity had no place in the running of an organisation.
He was not afraid to make tough and unpopular decisions and was uncompromising in his principles.
McCook would hold strongly to his convictions, even when all else opposed him. He advocated that drug cheats be banned for life after the first offence. The one other IAAF council member who shared his view died some years ago, but he continued being the lone advocate.
Charity was one of the virtues of this extraordinary man and testimonials abound to prove it.
Despite his high office, his great achievements, an Order of Jamaica award, he was never haughty. Rather, he was humble and very approachable.
Materialism and the pursuit of wealth he shunned. His life was predominantly one of service. You don't have fingers enough to count the number of boards and organisations on which McCook served -- the Church and the Lay Magistrates among them. He served for the love of it.
He was a good family man and good friend to many.
He was incorruptible — full stop!
His was a life well lived — an example and inspiration to all.
May his soul rest in peace.
Farewell, Fortis forever.
Dr Patrick Robinson
Olympian
Seymour Ave
Kingston 6
pdougrobins@gmail.com
Teddy McCook
Teddy McCook was an extraordinary man
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With the passing of Neville 'Teddy' McCook, much has been and will be written and voiced in recounting and praising his extraordinary achievements and legacy per se.
But largely unknown to the general public are the personality traits and special qualities that together underpin and account for the achievements of this extraordinary Jamaican.
Permit me the opportunity, as a close family friend, schoolmate (KC mid-1950s), past co-worker, and someone with decades-long involvement in Jamaica's athletics, to give some insight into his make-up, or inner self.
Teddy McCook was a man of extraordinary vision and ideas. But more than that, he had the strategy/plan complete with timeline, to turn those visions and ideas into reality. It did not hurt any that he possessed superb managerial skills.
Before he sought the JAAA's presidency in 1984, he stated plainly that he had some plans, and that he would need three terms (12 years) to put them into effect. He got the three consecutive terms and in 1996, mission accomplished, he stepped down, leaving the power, prestige, and 'perks' of the office of the president behind.
We should pause for a moment and ponder this unusual act, because it is a rare human trait to voluntarily relinquish power, especially after a successful tenure. Almost always, people cling tenaciously to power, poor performance notwithstanding.
McCook's unique ability to get lots of people to work with and for him (without monetary compensation), some for decades, sets him apart from the ordinary. There are persons from the original Gibson Relays committee of 40 years ago who still serve on the committee. Many members of the original committee served up until they departed this life.
He was a man with boundless energy and enthusiasm, even during his 10-year-long illness. He was up and about until a few weeks ago when he was suddenly unable to walk.
A stickler for discipline, he ensured that the weak and the mighty alike complied with the rules.
He believed that the pursuit of popularity had no place in the running of an organisation.
He was not afraid to make tough and unpopular decisions and was uncompromising in his principles.
McCook would hold strongly to his convictions, even when all else opposed him. He advocated that drug cheats be banned for life after the first offence. The one other IAAF council member who shared his view died some years ago, but he continued being the lone advocate.
Charity was one of the virtues of this extraordinary man and testimonials abound to prove it.
Despite his high office, his great achievements, an Order of Jamaica award, he was never haughty. Rather, he was humble and very approachable.
Materialism and the pursuit of wealth he shunned. His life was predominantly one of service. You don't have fingers enough to count the number of boards and organisations on which McCook served -- the Church and the Lay Magistrates among them. He served for the love of it.
He was a good family man and good friend to many.
He was incorruptible — full stop!
His was a life well lived — an example and inspiration to all.
May his soul rest in peace.
Farewell, Fortis forever.
Dr Patrick Robinson
Olympian
Seymour Ave
Kingston 6
pdougrobins@gmail.com
Teddy McCook
Teddy McCook was an extraordinary man
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