The 1968 Olympic champion and war veteran Mel Pender talks about his Olympics pain and glory, a 21-year career in the US Army which includes the Bronze Star for fighting in Vietnam, the importance of listening to family and the lifelong battle against racial injustice. old school checkerboard The 30-year-old centre has signed a one-year deal with Saints and makes the switch from Leeds Rhinos, where he has spent the past three seasons following a move from Gold Coast Titans. old school checkerboard "We learned there were some things we had in common. There is a southern dish called grits - it's made from corn. And Lynn asked me about them. old school checkerboard "They have been probably the best team throughout the year and are rightly sitting on top," St Helens prop Alex Walmsley said. "They are deservedly there and they've really turned a page. old school checkerboard