When Johnny Peard was a Cadet Lifesaver down at Bondi, he was the smallest kid in the Club. (That is, until Greg (Beagle) Brodsky turned up.) Along the way, John acquired the nickname of “Dissa”, as it suited his surname. “Dissa” was always a fine swimmer and was a team member in the 1962/63 Junior R & R team that won an Australian Title. John’s first love, though, was Rugby League, and he played Junior League with Bondi United Easts alongside his mates from the Surf Club. In order to build himself up, he began a weight training regime at Bondi’s cheapest gymnasium, which was in Ralph Speed’s garage. He lifted weights with Ralph’s two boys, Keiran and Denys. 1966...
