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Kiwi of the Week
Today in History
25 January
1974 First day of competition at the Christchurch Commonwealth Games
On the opening day of what are billed as the ‘Friendly Games’, Canterbury runner Dick Tayler pulls 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 Kenyans. His cat and mouse tactics against another Englishman, David Black, in the latter stages of the race, before pulling away from him on the final lap, made it one of the Games’ signature moments. Tayler won national titles at 1500 m, 10,000 m and cross-country, but his fame was ensured by that one race in Christchurch.
Unfortunately Tayler’s career was cut short within a year of his triumph by the onset of arthritis.
He was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 1990.
Internal links
External links
- Winning gold, 1974 (Te Ara)
- 1974 British Commonwealth Games (CGF)
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