HANSO'S WEEK IN SPORT #4

June 29: IAN HANSON pays tribute to a giant of Australian journalism.....a man among PMs and Olympic stars....A young reporter attending his first Olympics was a daunting experience - probably just as daunting as an athlete lining up in the Olympic arena for the very first time - you're up against some seasoned campaigners.

But heading to Los Angeles in 1984 to the world's biggest sporting event did have some distinct advantages - Hollywood....the LA Coliseum...long summer days and nights....out door venues...and ever-lasting friendships.

The adventure began in Palo Alto, the town that adjoins the famed Stanford University, where the Australian Swim team was in camp for the two weeks leading into the Games.

A team filled with big names, Lisa Curry, Mark Kerry, Neil Brooks, Mark Stockwell, Robbie Woodhouse, Suzie Landells and rising stars Jon Sieben and Justin Lemberg.

The Aussie swim team always attracted a media following and this team was no different and News Limited and John Fairfax both had correspondents in town.

But the Fairfax representative wasn't one of the group's usual sports writers, he was the doyen of the Canberra press gallery, Peter Bowers.

As a young sports writer this was also quite daunting. A man of his status up against a young sports writer on his first major overseas assignment.

But as it turned out it was the beginning of a special, fun-filled, laugh-a-minute friendship with the man affectionately known as "Daffy" because of his eccentric ways and likeness to "Daffy" Duck.

But even though we were opponents when it came to headlines, Bowers adopted me like a long lost son and showed me enormous respect as someone who knew swimming and the swimmers.

We did have something in common - some thirty years apart - we had both begun our cadetships under Sir Frank Packer at the Daily Telegraph.

He would sound me out, no matter where I was and quiz me about the Australian team and their international opponents....to cram as much information into his amazing, vibrant, politically washed brain.

Bowers was a great character; a man who had mixed with our PMs and written on the real issues affecting our country but like so many of us, he also had a passion for sport and for the Olympics.

I was lucky to travel to Palo Alto with the team, settling into the town that saw the Olympic torch come through while Bowers arrived for the final week before heading to LA for the spectacular opening ceremony.

He arrived in time for the team's final hit out - a meet in San Jose - although neither of us knew the way.

We did get there in time to witness some final time trials and enough to give us a strong lead up story before Terry Buck took his charges into the Olympic Village.

We arrived back at the hotel in Palo Alto and agreed to meet in the bar for drinks around 7pm after filing our stories. But around 6:45 Bowers rang me.

"Son...I'm not used to this swimming caper just yet...would you mind coming down and reading my story just to make sure it's OK before I send it off," said Bowers.

An unusual request. The Herald's reporter asking the Daily Telegraph reporter to check-sub his copy before he pushes the button. But of course I oblige...anything for a mate.

"Not a problem Pete...." I said.

On reading the story I only had one observation....! He had referred to freestyle sprinter Mark Stockwell (who would go on to win individual silver and silver and bronze in the relays) as Mark Stockman, right through his copy, which I quietly pointed out.

"You're a lifesaver son....I knew you'd come in handy....see you in the bar in 10 minutes....and son.....it's my shout," said Bowers.

It was the start of a special friendship that I will always remember.

Peter Bowers and I went on to Seoul and Barcelona - experiencing some amazing gold medal performances from Australia's athletes.

But the one thing Bowers taught me. "Son...how lucky are we to be here at the Olympic Games....make the most of every day...and make sure you have some fun doing it."

Peter Bowers died on Monday June 28, 2010, aged 80 - the day Australia lost one of its great characters.....and many of us lost a great mate and a confidant.

In 1992, he was awarded the highest honour in journalism in Australia - a Gold Walkley for most outstanding contribution to journalism.

Bowers is survived by his wife Yvonne, daughter Amanda and son Michael, who had followed his father's footsteps to Canberra.

A funeral service for Bowers will be held at 10.30am on Thursday (July 1) at the Norwood Park Crematorium in Mitchell, ACT.