Marathon-Jack Holden Gold-1950 British Empire Games ,Auckland,New Zealand

Jack Holden was one of the best distance runners of his generation.Making his name in Cross Country before WW2 ,he dominated Marathon running in Britain in the late 40's but nearly retired after a disappointing Olympic run in '48 ,in which he had to drop out due to blistered feet. Encouraged by his wife to continue, he won the British Empire gold here,in Auckland,New Zealand, in 1950,in a time of 2.32.57,at the ripe old age of 42! Several months later he repeated the feat in the European Championships,by then aged 43. Silver medal winner Veikko Karvonen of Finland said incredulously ,"but you are older than my father!". He retired the following year and lived to just six days short of his 97th.birthday. A legend.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Jack Holden
• Sid Luyt
• John Clare
• Arthur Lydiard
• 1950 British Empire Games
• Auckland
• New Zealand
• Marathon
• Athletics
• Track and Field

[lease2coach1]

Thanks for posting!

[ARRISIPPY]

@lease2coach1 Glad you liked it! This is one of my favourite clips on this channel,but one of the least viewed.My little effort to make sure his name isn't forgotten. To run at this level at his age is nothing short of awesome! Oldest marathon gold medalist at a major championship,I assume?

[ARRISIPPY]

Forgot to mention (anoraks only) that future coaching legend Arthur Lydiard came in 13th in 2.54.51. Obviously a better coach than marathon runner!!?

[MikeJustDidit]

1:36 you can see a dog running. is that the one that bit him?