Editorial: Smith another Qld hero we can all be proud of

Cameron Smith’s laid-back demeanour and killer instinct that secured him the British Open underscore a sporting trait that has become the hallmark of the Sunshine State, writes the editor.

When an emotional Cameron Smith was asked at a post-British Open press conference what he’d be doing with the famous Claret Jug that night, he deadpanned in his inimitable, laconically typical Queensland way that he would “be having 20 beers from it’’ to celebrate his historic victory.

It was a typical response from the Brisbane-born and raised young golfer, who is as unassuming as he is talented on the golf course.

Smith’s win at the home of golf, St Andrews, was a victory for the ages, a classic case of never giving up, displaying nerves of steel under pressure down the home stretch.

It capped an incredible week for Queensland sport, after one of the greatest State of Origin series wins in the 42-year history of the annual Blues-Maroons slugfest.

Smith’s laid-back demeanour and killer instinct underscores a sporting trait that has become the hallmark of the Sunshine State.

Australia's Cameron Smith celebrates with the Claret Jug after winning the British Open. Picture: Richard Sellers/Getty

It’s that down-to-earth attitude – combined with raw talent and hard work – that sets Queensland athletes apart. Have a think about our great sporting heroes, their personalities and how they become role models for our youngsters.

Think of tennis queen Ash Barty – who defined grace under pressure; a fierce will to win complementing her understanding of what it meant to represent her city, her state and her nation.

Compare her class and style with the obnoxious Canberran Nick Kyrgios and you can understand why sponsors clamour for Barty, many overlooking the boorish Wimbledon men’s finalist because of his inability to read the room.

But there are so many other Queensland athletes who represent the Sunshine State with dignity and aplomb. Think back to yesteryear and the legendary Rod Laver, still arguably the greatest male tennis player of all time, a man renowned for his sportsmanship and grace.

Cyclist Anna Meares, tennis legend Sam Stosur, athlete Sally Pearson, US Masters golf winner Adam Scott, and our adopted queen of the pool Ariarne Titmus – all champions who embody the Queensland psyche.

Cyclist Anna Meares is one of many local champions who embody the Queensland psyche. Picture: Bryn Lennon/Getty

It is easy to define that sporting psyche, but incredibly difficult to achieve. We are about fairness and working hard towards the ultimate goal. Whether that’s a Claret Jug, an Olympic gold medal, a Wimbledon crown, or beating the Blues, Queenslanders invariably rise to the top.

The reason this is so powerful is what these champs embody is a wonderful personality trait to aspire to – and no doubt there are many young golfers around Queensland who on Monday hit a few more balls, or stayed behind to line up a few more putts, after Cam Smith’s sizzling victory.

Asked why his game had gone to the next level in 2022, Smith was typically blunt: “I might have been a bit lazy, so I just hit more drivers, and hit more putts on the practice green.” Hard worker.

There’s a reason Queensland was awarded the 2032 Olympic Games. International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach has seen first-hand the way we love our sport, the way we embrace its rich diversity and cultural significance. It is part of our DNA.

Queenslanders tend to believe nothing is impossible – whether on the sporting field, in corporate life, in setting about staging the greatest Olympics ever, or just in working towards our personal dreams.

Maybe it’s the beautiful weather. Maybe it’s just our “can-do’’ mentality. Whatever it is, it’s a spirit of generosity and optimism that other states, and other nations, struggle to replicate.