Snooker legend Ray Reardon’s story of being trapped in a mine is the stuff of nightmares
Michael Parkinson had a true gift for teasing out the stories behind the superstars, and this interview with snooker legend Ray Reardon is a perfect example.
The former miner recounted something that would have sent most people into years of therapy, but he told it with an uncannily stoic air.
Former World Snooker Champion Ray Reardon speaks of his time as a coal miner & being trapped when during a roof collapse. Hope you’re having a brilliant day. pic.twitter.com/QjmmnSqNzJ
— John Pitchford🌹💙 (@Johnnypapa64) August 1, 2023
‘Couldn’t move a finger, couldn’t blink an eye, couldn’t twitch an ear. Couldn’t do anything, actually.’
Tweeters were understandably gobsmacked.
1.
This is absolutely extraordinary. #Reardon https://t.co/q9uwQ4HCdX
— michael sheen 💙 (@michaelsheen) August 6, 2023
2.
Fascinating clip. https://t.co/vo2Aag2PZm
— Dan Jackson (@northumbriana) August 2, 2023
3.
This is extraordinary. The understated way he dismisses the everyday horror of what he experienced. https://t.co/P9UcTf74ms
— Brych (@brychantodd) August 6, 2023
4.
This is an INCREDIBLE few seconds of interview. I recently went to a mining museum and my God, the things those men and boys had to endure… https://t.co/fJirobIAU7
— Jill Foster (@JournalistJill) August 2, 2023
5.
The look, the hair, the accent, the rather blasé discussion of impossible bravery – the Welsh working man. https://t.co/zSUeFC6arM
— Reece Emmitt (@ReeceEmmitt) August 2, 2023
6.
When I first began podcast interviews, Michael Parkinson was the guy I modelled my style on.
He asks a question, and let’s the person answer and tell their story. Never interrupts.
And what you get is a powerful story. https://t.co/BzRQbLhdm5
— I’m Just James. (@[email protected]) (@JamesPrescott77) August 3, 2023
7.
I would be stark staring insane after this. https://t.co/MwoFFtxxfS
— James Goodwin (@Jim_Goodwin) August 6, 2023
8.
Unbelievable, at least once a year I thank my lucky stars I wasn't born in a pit village where the only option would have been to go down a mine
— Harry Diamond (@SpursracesHarry) August 2, 2023
9.
Puts the rose tinted view of mining in perspective.
This is a bit 👀 https://t.co/8gy3U1XUlQ— ceri (@ceritheviking) August 2, 2023
10.
Stuff of nightmares. This calmness even while talking about being buried definitely must have helped him become world champ.
— Ange (@MrsChockers) August 6, 2023
11.
Jesus, we don't make 'em like that anymore. https://t.co/hO75NAnTQx
— Jon Burke 🌏 (@jonburkeUK) August 3, 2023
Now aged 90, Ray is as sharp as ever. Here he is, talking us through his closing break to win the 1978 World Professional Snooker Championship – and giving his younger self a bit of hair critique.
Legend Ray Reardon watches his 1978 World Championship triumph. pic.twitter.com/RxEgFoRqIX
— World Snooker Tour (@WeAreWST) August 2, 2023
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Source Johnny Pitchford Image Screengrab
