Published 11/24/2022, 12:00 PM EST
When it comes to ice hockey, Wayne Gretzky needs no introduction. A Canadian ice hockey legend, Wayne has also been a coach. Gretzky played 20 NHL seasons from 1979 to 1999. The legend retired in 1999, but his records remain untouchable. Gretzky also has the nickname “The Great One” because of his domination in the game.
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In an interview back in 2021, the Rangers’ legend talked about his late father’s friend, Moe Norman. Given Norman was a great friend of his father, Gretzky always used to hear stories about Norman’s achievements. But there was a little thing that made Norman stand out from other sports icons.
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Such an inspiration even for Wayne Gretzky
Wayne Gretzky highly respects a particular quality of Moe Norman that makes him stand out from other sports celebrities. Norman was also given the nickname “Pipeline Moe” and was a complicated character.
PEBBLE BEACH, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: Former NHL player Wayne Gretzky reacts during the first round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am at Monterey Peninsula Country Club Shore Course on February 07, 2019 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
“We first became aware of Moe through my father (Walter) who was his great friend and constantly shared incredible stories of this bigger than life character,” Gretzky said. It seemed the NHL legend was attracted by Norman’s way of life, despite being a golf legend. He wasn’t a typical sports celebrity. He differed greatly from them.
“Moe’s true brilliance and simple life philosophies were often overlooked by his colourful, sometimes ragged clothes, worn shoes and visors, his repetitive speech and eccentric behaviour,” Gretzky added. “His story exemplifies one of life’s great lessons: be true to yourself.”
Norman’s character truly inspired Gretzky because of his simple living and high-thinking attitude. The NHL legend was taken aback by the golf legend. His qualities matched no sports celebrity. Such a unique legend, indeed!
Norman inspired Gretzky at such a level that he is ready to become a co-producer in his upcoming biopic.
Moe Norman’s greatness
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Norman was a Canadian professional golfer. His accuracy in golf was unbeatable in his prime. He simply did not know how to miss shot by shot.
Gretzky wanted the current world to observe the greatness of Norman. Norman won back-to-back Canadian Amateur Championships in 1955 and 1956. He has also won 55 tournaments in Canada.
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Do you also feel that Moe Norman lived a life different from other sports icons? Let us know in the comment section.