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This hat invites irreverence
The fact that Tommy “Rivs” Puzey doesn’t belong is why people love him.
He’s a bearded, tatted, muscular man, who dares to lead at elite races around the world, which seems audacious and presumptuous, and is extremely entertaining. He might not fit the typical image of a pro runner, but he’s not gonna let it hold him back.
Not all heroes wear capes, in Tommy’s case he dons a trucker hat, black apparel, and a flowing beard. It’s a look his followers appreciate and aim to emulate, which is why when he fell ill this summer they rallied to his aid.
Years ago Tommy also adopted a pirate persona, even donned a skull and crossbones, along with “Team Rivs” emblazoned on his uniform. As his brother Jacob Puzey describes, “He began seeing himself as a mercenary of sorts — using his body to provide for his family. I think it’s how he reconciled the long weeks away from Steph & the girls.”
Along with the alter-ego came a trademark call on social media, “Let’s Rage!”
Social posts can feel ephemeral and cheap, but his call acts as a challenge of sorts, for others to follow him in defying convention. And he was met with resounding support, as the followers grew into the hundreds of thousands, people understood implicitly that pushing themselves to their maximum athletically demanded some rage. That it required a bit of wild-eyed fury to buck off the complacency of everyday life.
People also hoped to channel the spirit of a pirate in moments where they didn’t feel like they belonged. Though nearly everyone can run, and almost all can register to race, few among us feel truly comfortable throwing ourselves into Race Day entirely. No, it’s sadly much easier to hedge, hide, and soften the expectation of what we are able. Defying that impulse is the essence of Tommy’s call.
Amidst life’s responsibilities, realities, and past disappointments, it can feel somewhat childish to dress for athletic achievement. A bit indulgent to even take the time to dream of such an accomplishment. But Tommy will hear none of it.
His athletic identity is a contradiction — a demand to be both playful and serious, both competitive and kind.
