RIP: Brian Budd 1952-2008

Brian Budd Passes away
By Peter Mallett Globe & Mail

One of Canada’s first true soccer superstars, Brian (Budgie) Budd gained more fame and notoriety away from the soccer field than on the field at a time when the beautiful game was just starting to come of age in North America.

Budd died suddenly on Wednesday at the age of 56. He was found collapsed at his Toronto home. The cause of death was not immediately known.

The Toronto-born, raised-in-Vancouver Budd was best known for his remarkable athleticism he displayed in outshining much higher-profile professional athletes in winning the ABC Sports World Superstars contests against NFL, NBA, Major League Baseball and Olympic stars three consecutive times between 1977 to 1979.

His victories in the television series provoked the network broadcaster to pass a rule – known as The Budd rule – barring anyone from participating in the event after they had won it three times.

During the 1978 broadcast he bettered United States Olympic pole vaulting champion Bob Seagren and Cleveland Browns star Greg Pruitt in the contest.

Budd, always known for his humour and levity, marvelled at Pruitt’s blazing speed during an interview later that year during with the CBC’s Peter Gzowski.

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