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The Sightless Wrestler It is said that the first punch in wrestling is the most vital, and it makes all the difference for the rest of the game. Being blind, how could Broadley give the first punch? But that hardly posed any problem for him. He says, “I don't think any opponents who can see have the advantage. The person that pulls the first move has the advantage. There is no real gain in being able to see."
What confidence ! It speaks volumes about Edward the wrestler. Usually in wrestling Edward's first move is to try to grab the opponent. He does not like the opponent to get away. As soon as the opponent touches Broadley's hands he attacks him with all the force at his command and grabs him in a solid, steel-like trap. His moves are very quick and effective too. Once the opponent falls in his trap, there is no way out for him except defeat. If the rival disentangles himself from one trap, Edward is ready with another. His strategy is to end the game as quickly as possible, in his victory and in the defeat of the rival.
The Director of the department of physical education of the school, Jim Powell, had once said, "Some people have doubts whether Ed is really blind. He is so fast and so strong......... they can't believe he is unable to see."
Once the bout begins, he successfully locates the position of the rival. Of course, he cannot see where the rival is standing, nor can he hear him. That is because as soon as Broadley makes an appearance in the ring, the crowd gives him a great applause and everything then is drowned in the noise. When he plays the game, his parents, his two brothers and two sisters are in the spectator's gallery. They watch him with pride.
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