First day of competition at the Christchurch Commonwealth Games

On the opening day of the ‘Friendly Games’, Canterbury runner Dick Tayler pulled off a surprise victory for the host nation in the 10,000 m.

The manner of Tayler’s victory and his celebrations after crossing the finish line almost single-handedly ensured that the Games would be a roaring success. Tayler’s effort was all the more memorable because the field included the world record-holder, David Bedford, and three top-flight Kenyans. Tayler’s cat-and-mouse tactics against another Englishman, David Black, in the latter stages of the race before he pulled away on the final lap made it one of the Games’ signature moments. Tayler also won national titles at 1500 m and cross-country, but his fame was ensured by that one race in Christchurch.

Unfortunately Tayler’s career was ended within a year of his triumph by the onset of arthritis.

He became an inaugural member of the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 1990.