Jim Emerton Chats With Chris Williams.
Back in March 2019 I had the pleasure of interviewing Jim Emerton, what followed was one of the most stimulating conversations and articles I have had the pleasure of writing, which was greatly received by the fancy. This inspired Jim and myself to once again sit down and delve a little deeper into his thought processes, come with me once more, as we dive into the subconsciousness, that is the mind of the marathon man, the iconic Jim Emerton.
Q1. You are an out and out marathon specialist and enthusiast, how has this aspect of our hobby evolved since your pioneering attempts, and has it become easier?
Races over 700 miles into the UK over the Channel will always be difficult, depending on race reality conditions. Most people and birds find Barcelona International to be the epitome of difficulty. Each fancier needs to create a system of conditioning excellence. This done, I still depend on that good bird against prevailing conditions. It will never always be easy.
Q2. What is it about the race point Barcelona that has ignited the psyche of so many fanciers?
Barcelona has mystery, glamour, global appeal, kudos, radius, birdage and is the formula 1 of racing.
Q3. Psychology plays an important role in everyday life but how important are the psychological aspects in marathon and distance racing.
Psyche of man and bird are of great impact on the result, traits of dedication, patience, persistence, will, ambition are key as the ultimate quality test of man bird and system.
Q4. There is a school of thought held by some fanciers that all pigeons are capable of competing in distance races, what are your thoughts on this?
Very few birds will excel at real distances over 700 miles, even with optimal preparation. The ability is from nature/nurture. The onus is on the fancier in his prowess as a racing man or woman.
Q5. Why are the continental fanciers such an influence over the British fancy?
Continental fanciers are often charismatic businessmen who create desirability of their birds for fame/ego and money-all eyewash to me with my strain. In reality there are top people and birds in many countries-a wise man gets good birds for little or no money.
Q6. Given the magnitude of the influence of continental flyers, could this not be seen as a negative for British racing, particularly as fanciers in Belgium and Holland don’t have to contend with the arduous crossing of the channel.
The Uk has the channel which can be easy or hard to cross. Excellent birds may be of Continental origin, as they are all diverse and different like people.
Q7. Is commercialism harmful in the positive development of pigeon racing?
Greed for more and more money has a negative impact on sporting values-rank materialism my friends.
`Q8. Is there a difference, in your opinion between the price of a pigeon and the value of a pigeon?
An expensive bird may have no sporting merit or performance/breeding value-we breed our own strain and give birds way-look out for con men or GENUINE people.
Q9. How important is loft location in long distance and marathon racing, is there such a thing as an ideal location
I like a loft against the wind to add quality to the race bird. Lofts over 800miles from the race point are so hard, even with the wind.
Q10. Does the ego of a fancier influence his or her performance in race reality?
The champion has a giant ego, and some are monsters-crucial in the icon or ultra-famous, yet some do not court publicity.
Q11. Has money compromised the ideology of true pigeon racing?
The purist is a perfectionist, romantic idealist, who races for love and self-satisfaction-money is counter to this ethic.
Q12. Are fanciers themselves to blame for the lack of youth interest in the sport, and do we have a close-minded mentality to innovative ideas?
The sport is old fashioned, time consuming and negative emotions and head pecking put off the young and the cloth cap image for some.
Q13. Has social media provided a platform for people to pursue their own agendas and could this have negative consequences for good and future of the sport?
There are some trolls on social media as well as some contact and friend making, information exchanges and sales.
Q14. Are the old school values of the sport still prevalent today
Integrity, honesty, morals, codes of conduct are much needed today to balance the competition and a Great need for spiritual values.
Q15. In your opinion what steps need to be taken to promote marathon and distance racing within the fancy?
There is lots of promotion of distance/marathon disciplines via pundits and The BICC for example-it needs a big push into the North and Ireland/Scotland.
Q16. In recent years the R.P.R.A has made great strides in promoting the sport to the general public, in your opinion what else needs to be done to raise are profile in the wider media?
The mass media will never promote our sport like Rugby or Football as key elements of society as it is rather insular and peculiar in nature yet is for all people if they want.
Q17. What is it about our sport that has enabled it to endure and how do we capitalise on it?
The sport endures as we love competing with birds, studying them and being close to nature in the big outdoors.
Q18. Why is pigeon racing a predominantly male dominated sport?
The hard, aggressive, traditional nature of the sport tends to make it male dominated. Sprint men are often alpha males trying to reign supreme in their egos.
Q19. Do you think the Barcelona international will ever be won in the UK or Ireland and what is needed for this to happen?
I do not believe that The Barcelona International will be won in UK/Ireland due to the race conditions that prevail en-route makes us all try harder! Bold attempts will be noted.
Q20. Does the small team man still have a place in modern marathon racing?
The expert, small team enthusiast can distinguish himself in modern marathon racing-pure dedication my friends-thanks Chris for this chat.
Q21. Are there any more thoughts you would like to add?