| Jim Wedderburn with Hall of Fame Award |
The story of Jim Wedderburn the Barbadian echoes and mirrors my own self-development reflections.
As destiny would have it .Jim having completed his Secondary Education at Lodge High School in the Parish of St. Philips, Barbados West Indies.
He migrated to England to join the British military. The bitter cold of the British Countryside (England) ended his advances through failure in the physical examination process.
He was forced to return to Barbados. His thirst for studies at the tertiary level was fueled by His cousin Calvin Wedderburn. He encouraged Jim to visit the United States in the quest for fulfillment of a dream deferred.
Calvin Wedderburn (his cousin) encouraged Jim to apply to NYU. Jim did and was accepted to the school of education. He later received scholarship aid and joined the NYU track team.
A new chapter in this man’s life opened its doors. The legend of Jim Wedderburn commenced: times of transition, trials and tribulations of adaptation on all levels of academia long nights and short days, laboratories and term papers, Cross Country track running up Hills and down Gullies along a horse carved paths and open flats of Vancourtland Park ,Indoor tracks of board with splinters, sharp curves and short straightaways, to outdoor running among the best in the world every weekend requiring your “ a” game at each encounter with relentless consistency and determination to persevere and achieve the ultimate prize. And at the same time, preserving and protecting and projecting the national identity.
These combined elemental values had to be mastered. The effort could only be described by Julius Caesar “I came, I saw, I conquered”. Jim was in New York to confront the myth, which in every culture is so important, distinctive, and must be able to withstand the test of time. The legend of Jim Wedderburn continued.
Travel
The great teacher, sharing local, national, and international experiences with the recipient of this fortune. Changing the cultural growth mentally, physically, emotionally and psychologically. This maturity and racing strategies was a distinctive part in the execution of his elevated game.
Discipline
Phenomenal work ethics. Teamwork as a gift from Military Cadet Corps at Lodge High School in Barbados, NYU track and cross country team, The British West Indies Federation Olympic Track team, Professional development exercises as a teacher, and High School Principal.
Personality
At NYU Jim demonstrated strong leadership skills and a deep interest in civic engagement that is characteristic of many NYU alumni who now function at the top of their chosen field of focus. He had the ability to create a focus atmosphere that made his team mates better while performing at an elevated level of performance. He demonstrated the uncanny ability to face difficult challenges, as he adjusted to the demands of the Coach and Professors, Practices and Homework, Competition and Exams. This mental balancing act can knock the wind out of many a sails. He mastered this art of war.
1961 Dick Edmunds of Princeton University, Gene Roswell hinted that “clock watchers have a right to figure the next IC4A, 440 champ”. Jim Wedderburn of NYU casts the dissenting vote. “I won’t give in to that idea” said Jim, with an “I am ready “calypso accent smile. Jim won the 440 yds. IC4A championship.
“Legend a historical or verifiable story handed down from earlier times and popularly accepted as historical. Performance, statistics, and records can be precisely documented.
The sports world routinely recognizes legendary teams, individuals and legendary seasons. A few years typically pass before a reference to legend is made,
A legendary player will usually have a career of above average length with some significant accomplishments in the form of individual statistics or championships.
A Hall-of-Famer, performing well over an extended period is enough to earn the `legendary' tag.”
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Jim Wedderburn:
Olympic Bronze Medalist Rome 1960
First and only Member of British West Indies Federation Olympic Team from Barbados.
Metropolitan AAU Champion
Metropolitan Inter - Collegiate Association Champion
IC4A Champion
Penn Relay Collegiate Championship of America Sprint Medley Champion
NYU Hall of Famer
By Teammate,
Cliff Bertrand
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