Ricky Ponting has one of those stories that people would call lucky.
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He’s lucky because he made something of himself while still calling Tasmania home.
They say it’s a remarkable story because the boy from Mowbray went on to be one of the legends of international cricket.
The teenager who went to Brooks High was “lucky” to represent Tasmania and Australia in the Sheffield Shield, Ashes, World Cups and the Indian Premier League.
Ironically, luck didn’t have anything to do with the man with the nickname Punter.
Instead Ponting created his success through determination, hard work and perseverance.
Last night Ponting was officially inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame.
He was also recognised for his efforts beyond the cricket pitch.
Since he retired the bat, Ponting has coached, worked as a commentator in Australia and internationally, and continued the great work with his Ricky Ponting Foundation.
Throughout his career Ponting gave a lot back to Tasmania and in particular Launceston. In retirement that community connection hasn’t stopped. If anything it has grown.
In November last year, The Examiner acknowledged Ponting by attaching his name to the Service to Sport Award as part of our Junior Sport Awards.
On the night of the awards Ponting spent more than three hours chatting and taking photos with the teenagers in the room.
He did this with a genuine interest in the athletes’ stories. He said he felt inspired by the future sporting champions’ stories.
A few weeks after these awards Ponting was inducted to Tasmanian Sporting Hall of Fame.
At the time, Ponting said the honour meant “the world” to him.
“To join so many Tasmanian sporting greats, who fuelled my own dreams to one day be as good as I could, is a privilege and a huge honour,” he said.
“I am so grateful for all the opportunities that Tasmania has given me in life, especially on the cricket field.”
When opportunities presented, Ponting took them with both hands and ran.
He deserves all the accolades that come after years of fortitude.
Afterall, there is a clear difference between luck and hard work.