You know how you have everything planned for when you meet
your favourite cricketer, actor, musician etc and everything tend to crumble at
that critical moment when you do meet them? Yep, that happened to me, yesterday at the Oval (Day 1 of the 1st Test match against the South Africans).
For those who do not know me that well, I have been a fan of
Stuart Broad for over 5 years now. I have always wanted to meet him but never had
the opportunity because I live in Canada. It may sound stupid, weird, crazy or even a bit melodramatic to some of you cricket lovers, but when you’ve
supported someone over the years simply because he/she is a talented cricketer,
a down-to-earth character who has an unbelievable passion for the game and who
is not money driven like most people these day, it is just natural to want to meet that said person. Not only for the sake of being able to tell everyone you've met him/her but also to thank him/her for being the person that he/she is. At least I’d
like to think so. Stuart Broad in my opinion is a rare gem in the world of cricket.
Despite being alone (because my friend/fellow Broadette
Jayna had to leave early) and not knowing how I’d be able to get a hold of the Stuart, I stood near the pavilion of
The Oval after the match with
a few cricket fans waiting to catch a glimpse of the England and South African
players. I had only one thing in mind. Meet Stuart, get his book signed,
somehow manage to take a photo and leave! :)
Most players (not going to mention names as I'm sure they just wanted to get back to the hotel soon) just walked past the awaiting fans. Stuart and Matt Prior came along and everyone started yelling out Stuart's name. Kinda felt bad for Matty P cause he's an awesome person as well, but no one bothered talking to him. As soon as I spotted Stuart, I just extended my book to him and was talking to him while he signed the book. It was weird and a bit funny now reliving the moment. I remember being a nervous-wreck. Forgot to mention who I was (he knows me by name) but somehow managed to get the following words out: 'Stuart, would you mind posing for a photo really quick?' He looked at me and said ' Yeah of course!' He proved something right there. He said he never turned down a photo request by a fan. The fact that he did not know me right then, but still agreed to pose for a photo speaks volumes about the guy he is. One of the fans who were standing outside with me wanting to shake hands with the players, volunteered to take a photo of me and Stuart :) Whoever you are, THANK YOU! :)
I thanked Stuart and the guy who took the photo really quick (don't think they heard me though) and ran like the wind. Forgot which way the tube station was due to all the excitement! Best day of my life - to date! Will never forget that moment! Right after, I tweeted Stuart and thanked him for the photo and autograph. He messaged me back saying 'just seen this. glad it happened'. Little moments like these make fans like me very happy. Truly was the best day ever.
To those who haven't met Stuart yet, when you do meet him, stay calm. He's the most sweetest/friendliest person ever. He won't run off if he knows you want a picture and an autograph :)
Let me finish off this blog post by sharing my photo with you :)
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| Me (wearing the Broad #8 shirt) with the fantastic man himself, Stuart Broad |
Happiest girl on the planet! :) Next time when I do meet him - and there will be a next time - I'm gonna stay calm and not panic ;) Will definitely have a proper conversation then! :)
Jay x
