The only time I ever saw Mike Hailwood was at the Castrol 6 Hour race in Sydney just before his triumphant return to the Island.
I saw him in the pits and thought he looked quite old and tired, he walked with a limp and had trouble putting his leathers on before the start.
I have to say I thought he was getting past it but it was great to see one of my heroes in the flesh.
However when the race started and Mike came past lap after lap on his Ducatti he looked suddenly young again, just like the old films of him at the TT.
He road so stylishly and smoothly it is something I will always remember.
He may have been bashed around a bit, but once on the bike he was the Champion he will always remain.

"Grief, an untimely doom, fame that eternal abides."

Song, Youth, and Sorrow
By William Cranston Lawton