Steve Burgess went back to his former primary school this week to make a special presentation after recently releasing his book entitled Back to Basics.

The former top Bermuda middle distance runner also gave a speech about his days as a student at West Pembroke Primary prior to attending Berkeley Institute and the University of Georgia on a track scholarship.

Burgess told the youngsters at the assembly how, at eight-years-old, he got his start representing West Pembroke in cross country.

He visited the school along with his former West Pembroke class-mate and friend of more than 50 years, Willis Dill, who wrote a tribute in the book.

Dill also spoke to the students about being disciplined as a student and the importance of reading for knowledge.

During a tour of the school both reminisced about their days under head teacher Beryl Manget.

“The experience was somewhat surreal, when you think that this was the place you got your start, from athletics or academics it all starts at your primary school,” Burgess said. “It was very moving to go back to my old school and share the book with them and that they know somebody in the book.

“The gym equipment that I was climbing, the monkey bars and ropes, are probably still there from when I was a student.

“I asked the students what they wanted to be. I took my best friend along because it’s important for them to see that friends can remain with each other for years.

“We were at West Pembroke together and are still good friends today.”

Burgess believes that there is value in adults going back to their former primary schools to share their experiences with the students.

“That’s the beauty of Bermuda, that we are small enough to connect with our former athletes and maybe that’s an area we really need to build on, the connection between athletes of the past and athletes now,” he said.

“I don’t think we are as connected with our former stars. Putting a poster up of Michael Jordan is nice but where are our local stars?”

Burgess’s book, which chronicles his 25 years as a fitness trainer, was recently released in a limited first edition, but thanks to sponsors Butterfield and Vallis, Montpelier Re, BF&M, Dr David Saul and Anne Kast, additional books will be made available to the school during the second printing as the first batch of books have already sold.

Anyone interested in ordering Back to Basics can email stevieb.backtobasics@gmail.com or call 292-0789 or 535-5314