Olympic dream imagined

As Bob Joyce walked onto the MCG’s red cinder track, the roar of the 1956 Olympics home crowd was deafening — but Bob barely heard a thing. At the starting blocks, he stared ahead at the 10 hurdles that stood in the way of his Olympic dream, and focussed on the finish line 110 metres ahead. It was only when he crossed the line 14.7 seconds later, behind older and more experienced racers, that the Olympian could fully appreciate the magnitude of his achievements.

 

When Bob walked back out onto the MCG in August 2021, on the arm of his grandson Jack, the world’s eyes were instead focussed on the 2020 Tokyo Games, not on Melbourne. For Bob, though, he was returning ‘home’ — a dream made possible by the Mercy Health Foundation Imagine Fund.

A surprised Bob Joyce was overwhelmed when he saw the MCG scoreboard, which read: Welcome James Bob Joyce 1956 Olympian, 110m hurdles.

Bob, now 85 years old, is a resident at Mercy Place Colac, one of Mercy Health’s residential aged care homes. He keeps everyone at the home enthralled with tales from his days as an Olympian, National Champion and elite footballer.

Recognising how much his MCG memories meant to Bob, his carers approached Mercy Health Foundation to ask if the father of three and grandfather of eight could somehow make it back to the scene of his most famous races.

The Imagine Fund made it happen.

Olympian Bob Joyce returns to the MCG, where he competed for Australia in the 110m hurdles at the Melbourne Olympic Games.

Bob was picked up from Mercy Place Colac in a stretch limousine and driven with his carer to the MCG, where he was greeted by grandson Jack, MCG representatives and Melbourne’s media. As he walked out onto the hallowed turf, he was overwhelmed.

“It doesn’t seem as big as I remember,” Bob said. “And it’s different without the crowd.

I’m lucky — I’ve been here many times, with my running and university football, and I’ve run in lots of stadiums around the world, but this one is special.”

Seeing his name on the MCG’s scoreboard one more time was a special touch.

“Welcome James ‘Bob’ Joyce, 1956 Olympian 110m hurdles,” Bob said, reading from the huge MCG scoreboard. “Wow, is that for me? Thank you.”

A younger Bob practicing his jumps on a farm fence.

Bob was also treated to a tour of the 1956 Olympics exhibit at the Australian Sports Museum and lunch with his grandson, before returning to his home at Mercy Place Colac. Settling in front of the television that evening, he got to watch his story replayed on Channel 7 News.

Mercy Health Chief Executive Residential Aged Care, Home Care and Seniors Living Adj Assoc Prof Felix Pintado says it is important to dream, no matter your age.

“The Imagine Fund helps our aged care residents fulfil their dreams,” Felix says. “It was wonderful to see Bob back where he dared to

dream when he was a young man. Taking him back there was a joy and exactly what the Imagine Fund was established to do.”

You can support the Imagine Fund and help us make our residents’ dreams come true by visiting mercyhealthfoundation.org.au or filling in the Foundation donation form included in this edition.