Wirrmi was a gentle soul
It has been more than 50 years since Miriwoong-Gajerong elder Murphy Simon was plucked out of the bush to train for the Mexico Olympics alongside legendary runner Herb Elliot.
Simon, whose Miriwoong name is Wirrmi, was working as a stockman at Ivanhoe Station in the late 60s when he was recognised by Australian Olympic scout Percy Cerutty.
During a quick Kimberley pit-stop, Cerutty attended a regular gymkhana at Ivanhoe Station and was amazed by an ever-so slightly built and incredibly quiet Wirrmi.
At the gymkhana, Cerutty witnessed what he thought was amazing - Wirrmi grabbing the tail of a cow, skilfully toppling its balance and throwing it to the ground at alarming speed.
Cerutty asked Simon if he wanted a new experience in life, and with no hesitation the Aboriginal runner hopped on the plane to Melbourne to train for the Mexico Olympics.
It was 1956, the year of Melbourne Olympic Games.
Within days of arriving in Melbourne, Simon was put to the test of tackling the infamous Herb Elliot's Sandhill, the towering sand hill used to train the former world mile champion.
Bow-legged Wirrmi disappeared over the crest of the hill with ease and Cerutty was set on sending him to Mexico.
However, after months of solitude and training, Simon began to miss his wife Biddy, his two children and the Miriwoong country.
After hearing the wonderful news that he would soon have a son Maurice, Simon headed back to the Kimberley to his wife and children.
Simon's granddaughter Bernadette Simon Hall said her gagoong (which means grandfather in Miriwoong) was a gentle and proud man who loved his family.
Wirrmi died peacefully at Kununurra Hospital on April 4 after a battle with emphysema holding the hands of his son and granddaughter.
"My dad said my grandfather taught him how to be a cultural man and learn how to provide for his family and even taught him about being a cowboy," Ms Simon Hall said.
"Hopefully one day my children will become something like their great-great grandfather.
"I have three sprinters in my little family."
"I am sure there is someone in our younger generation that could go on and live his legacy.
"May your strong soul rest now. Love you always gagoong."
