FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: Professional athletes are always trying to publicize themselves, personal appearances, press releases even appearing on television to attract more attention; but when that attention becomes unwanted, often due to questionable behavior, there is always somebody saying “give the guy a break.” I do not know the details of Anthony Gobert’s drug problems, but as a fan I have seen him get a lot more “breaks” than any normal person would have. I have also seen him quoted blaming his problems racing and personal on anyone but himself. Oddly when he won a race, he never “blamed” the success on anyone else. Anthony Gobert built himself up with his amazing ability to ride a motorcycle, (the Bimota World Superbike win in the rain over Carl Fogarty comes to mind), and the press reported it to the admiring fans who wanted to hear all about it. Anthony Gobert also tore himself down with drug and alcohol problems, banned from racing and losing or missing out on who knows how many rides; now, when he should be at the zenith of his career, basking in the glory of past Championships, he is getting busted for heroin. The press may appear almost zealous in reporting these problems but only because it is such a compelling story, and fans want to hear about it. The classic tragedy, young gifted racer rides circles around the competition quickly becoming a superstar destined for glory only to throw it all away in a few short years of drug and alcohol abuse. He so easily grasped what every motorcycle enthusiast dreams of, yet threw it all away for dope. The media does not owe Anthony Gobert anything except an epilogue that hopefully that will end with… “died old of natural causes,” instead of “… tragically high on ???? for the last time.” Sam Wagenseller Mesa, Arizona FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: I consider Anthony as a friend of mine, for sure his relationship with drugs has spoiled his racing career but Anthony is a real nice, friendly and caring guy, he is one of the few top racers that is not up-himself. I guess part of his feeling of invincibility that made him fast on the track also made him think he was imune to the pitfalls of drugs. Goey, like all other racers, likes to have fun, it’s just that some of us like to live a little closer to the edge than normal people. Racing with the country’s fastest riders, most of the factory riders expected us privateers to move out of their way (even in an untimed practice session!) but Anthony knew he was on a faster bike, fitted with the best tires, he could get past without any letting him past, he’d give a thumbs-up to say g’day on his way past. Regards, John Orchard Australian Superbike A-grade (Pro) #89 Melbourne, Victoria, Australia FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: Further to reading the article in relation to Anthony Gobert and the reply from his Mother. I would like to state that I can not believe how people are willing to further damage the reputation of one of Australia’s finest road racers. Anthony obviously struggled with a very serious addiction that effects all walks of life from criminals through to high court judges. I can however say that I spent all last season in the paddock of the Australian Superbike Championship assisting another Australian Superbike Rider and on numerous occasion got to spend time with Anthony and his team Red Wing Honda and he has been nothing but a credit to himself and the sport of motorcycle racing. I believe Anthony is coming back again to race in the Championship in ’06 and rather than nasty vindictive people wasting their time and focussing on his past mistakes people should commend Anthony for not only being able to get off such a nasty life destroying drug but to come back race and prove he is still competitive is an outstanding effort. Most people would just be happy getting their life back on track but to still have the ability to ride a Superbike at break-neck speeds is pretty special. Good luck Anthony and may you have a top season in 2006. Lucien Okill Brisbane, Queensland, Australia