SI Daily Cover: Pete Axthelm

Marking the 30th anniversary of his death, Jon Wertheim writes a hell of a tribute.

Canadian Club, Neat. American Success Story, on the Rocks

 

Great story.

“Who the f--- is Olga Korbut?” Axthelm replied.

Shame on him.

 

That's a damn fine story.

 

A magnificent story. I only met Axthelm once, but I knew many of the Runyon's crowd, through George Kimball. What a fucking waste. I mean some of those I admired young who died way young were obviously doom-ridden like Janis Joplin. Others my only reaction was "what a fucking waste." He was in the latter category.

 

Perhaps sadder, this is the type of story you'd depend on being in the printed SI.

 

What a great story. Strongly recommended. Among the few I've read recently that I wish I could have written.

And would have loved to have known Axthelm. ... Kind of reminds me of George Best, who - if I recall correctly - resumed drinking even after a liver transplant.

 

Ax once said on NBC what sums up every gambler's lament: "I follow horses that follow other horses." Miss him dearly.

 

Then you would be shocked at how many wealthy celebs do this.

 

Then you know some of the younger Runyon's crowd who had similar issues but managed not to die young.

 

It IS in the printed SI.

 

One sad thing I discovered after reading this story: There's no Wikipedia page for Diane K. Shah.

 

Great story.

A shame he got trapped in the insane thought that life isn’t worth living without alcohol.