Events In History
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31 July 1976John Walker wins gold in MontrealFollowing in the footsteps of Jack Lovelock and Peter Snell, Walker won gold in the Olympic 1500 m. Black African nations boycotted the Games in protest at the All Blacks' tour of South Africa Read more...
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12 August 1975John Walker breaks world mile recordJohn Walker became history’s first sub-3:50 miler on 12 August, running 3:49.4 at Gothenburg, Sweden. Read more...
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21 October 1964Peter Snell wins second gold in TokyoSnell had successfully defended his 800-m title earlier at the Tokyo Olympics and completed the coveted middle-distance double with gold in the 1500 m. Fellow Kiwi John Davies won bronze. Read more...
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27 January 1962Peter Snell breaks world mile recordWidely considered one of the greatest middle-distance runners of all time, Snell broke Herb Elliott's world record on grass at Cooks Gardens, Whanganui, covering the distance in 3 minutes 54.4 seconds. Read more...
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2 September 1960Golden day for Kiwi runners in RomeIt was one of New Zealand's greatest days at the Olympics. Peter Snell won gold in the 800 m and Murray Halberg followed up 30 minutes later to win the 5000 m, completing a remarkable track double in Rome's Olympic Stadium. Read more...
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15 July 1933Lovelock smashes world mile recordJack Lovelock's run at Princeton University beat the record for the mile, held by Jules Ladoumegue, by 1.4 seconds. The race was dubbed the 'greatest mile of all time' by Time Magazine. Read more...
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7 July 1924'Tom Watson' wins bronze for New ZealandThe character in the Academy Award-winning film Chariots of fire (1981) was based on Arthur Porritt, who won a bronze medal for New Zealand in the 100 m at the 1924 Paris Olympics. Read more...
Articles
Sport, 1940-1960
The mid-century decades brought more mass participation in sport, the consolidation of many national competitions, and greater achievement at international level.
- Page 2 - Lydiard's legacyThe cult of masculinity had one positive spin-off: Arthur Lydiard. A runner of iron will but limited natural ability, he discovered that as he ran further he got fitter.
Biographies
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Walker, John George
John Walker is one of New Zealand's track heroes. His athletic career was punctuated by memorable performances and noted for its longevity
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Lydiard, Arthur Leslie
Arthur Lydiard was a marathon runner and athletics coach, whose most notable trainees included Olympic and Commonwealth Games champions.
Read more...
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Main image: John Walker in 1982
Runner John Walker after completing mile race around Queen's Park, Toronto on 18 September 1982.
