2003 Banff Rockie Award Winner
Craig Wilson looks like your average international corporate attorney. He was born in Washington, D.C. and attended the finest schools, including Sidwell Friends High School, Yale University and Harvard Law School. Since leaving the U.S. in 1987, Craig has lived and worked in Southeast Asia for the better part of fourteen years.
But he is no ordinary blue-chip attorney... at 45 years old Craig Wilson is an avid amateur boxer who steps into the ring at any opportunity and usually does so against opponents half his age. He has fought all over Thailand: in small villages, on Thai army bases, and in the city of Bangkok. Several of his matches have been televised. He continually surprises spectators not only for being a “farang”, or “white foreigner”, but also because of his age. Each time a match ends and Craig takes off his headgear there is a wave of shock and amazement as the crowd realizes that they have actually been watching a balding, middle aged man who happens to posses the energy and spirit of a twenty year old. Craig has been fondly dubbed “farang ba” (meaning “crazy white foreigner” in Thai) by his friends and coaches.
His passion for the sport of amateur boxing has introduced him to a world he would otherwise never have been exposed to. Despite Thailand’s thriving expat community most of Craig’s friends are native Thai. He is active in his community, helping to sponsor many of the junior national boxing team members. He also served as an Honorary Manager of the Philippine Olympic Boxing Team in Barcelona, Spain in 1992. Ironically, at 45, Craig Wilson could well be the best international diplomat for the sport of amateur boxing today.
For all his success, Craig is extremely humble. He knows he can't take anything for granted. No matter how tough a fight, no matter how strong an opponent, nothing can compare to the bout he has already fought and won: cancer. About 10 years ago, Craig was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory condition of the colon, which later led to colon cancer. Craig had his entire colon removed in 1996 and underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatment for months. Since then, he has been clear of cancer and healthy ever since.
Boxing literally changed his life, both physically and mentally. His doctors were amazed at his recovery and progress. To many Craig seems like a walking miracle, but he has definitely paid a price: since having his colon removed life has never been the same. He now has to wear an ileostomy bag all the time, even when he is boxing, which presents a unique set of risks as well as challenges.
I first met Craig in 1999 in New York City when I was teaching boxing. Since then, he has become a good friend. He is a rare human being-- someone who has faced great adversity and come out stronger and more focused than anyone could imagine. To me, he symbolizes the enduring human spirit overcoming tremendous adversity. This film is his story, told through his words --one that will certainly touch the hearts and minds of those who see it.
John Sullivan
Producer/Director
John Sullivan is a writer, director, producer, published poet, and boxer. His company, Naked Emperor Productions Inc., has worked with clients that include ABC News, Eastman Kodak, Telepiu - Canalplus, SkyTV, and The Garth Group. John's first film, The Buddha Hood, won Best Short at the 1999 Foyle Film Festival in Derry, Northern Ireland. He has produced PSAs for The Macular Degeneration Foundation, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America, and Safe Space.
