Athletics world mourns Maurie Plant – a man who wore so many hats
Tributes have poured in from athletics’ biggest names after the passing of Maurie Plant. The larger-than-life figure had an impact in the careers of so many of our stars and his presence ensured the sport remained relevant in Australia.
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Maurie Plant knew everyone and everything. In the world of athletics he was the doyen.
That’s one title for him but there are so many other hats he wore to the point where even people who’d known him for over 20 years still couldn’t tell you exactly what he did.
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He was an agent, promoter, commentator, liaison officer, confidante, fixer, problem solver, influencer, spruiker, father figure and always the life of the party.
Whether it was the booming voice, the colourful shirts or the jokes which always skated close to the line, Maurie commanded the spotlight.
That was ironic in a way because it was his work behind-the-scenes which had such a profound impact on the sport he’d loved since he found it as a promising sprinter at Xavier College.
A common thread with our most recent Olympic champions – Cathy Freeman, Steve Hooker and Sally Pearson – was Maurie.
He was in the background, directing them, helping them, cuddling them when required or delivering a reality check. They all trusted him implicitly.
Since Maurie’s passing on Sunday night – he was turning 67 next month – tributes have flooded social media from all over the globe.
The likes of Seb Coe, Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell and David Rudisha led the way. That gives an insight into Maurie’s reach right there.
My agent and mentor but first and foremost my dear friend Maurie Plant. The sadness has hit and the tears are flowing. You’ll hate the fuss but it’s a must as we all come to terms with losing the best there was in our sport. We will miss you MP. pic.twitter.com/hAwqZhvwC5
— Sally Pearson OAM (@sallypearson) January 19, 2020
One of Maurie Plant’s best ever commentary lines from the late 1980’s.
— David Culbert (@Culbert_Report) January 19, 2020
Totally inappropriate. But 100% Maurie.
Bruce: In lane five, Kirsten Emmelmann of East German.
Maurie: Looking more and more like her brother Frank every day.
RIP Maurie Plant. If you were lucky enough to know him, his presence, personality and charm just sucked you right in. The mark you made in my life both as an athlete & as a friend was extraordinary. I love you, Maurice, and will miss you terribly. You’ll be forever in our hearts.
— Cathy Freeman (@CathyFreeman) January 19, 2020
Athletics has lost one of its truest and passionate friends and so many of us have lost a great mate. Maurie Plant we will miss you so much.
— Seb Coe (@sebcoe) January 18, 2020
You will be missed Maurie! Thanks for the laughs, the support and the kindness you and your family have shown me over the years. Walk Good! https://t.co/fyvEYxA5wt
— Asafa Powell (@officialasafa) January 19, 2020
RIP Maurie Plant. I don’t think I’ve met someone who gave so much to other people. You wore so many hats and will forever be grateful for your guidance and knowledge over the journey. Track and field will simply never be the same in this country. You were truly a great man.
— Scott Gullan (@gullanHeraldSun) January 19, 2020
He single-handedly ensured some of the world’s best athletes took part in our meets which not only made the sport relevant but provided invaluable experience for Australian athletes.
And it would be Maurie who’d be at Tullamarine greeting them at 2am with a smile and a bad joke.
He also worked for the BBC at Olympic Games and for meet promoters throughout Europe who wanted to tap into the loveable Aussie’s magnetism.
Maurie also had friends in high places in the AFL world, he loved St Kilda, was tight with former Saints coach Grant Thomas while Eddie McGuire was on speed dial.
He was larger than life in many ways but one title which anyone who crossed his path would agree was appropriate … he was a great man.