New Zealand athletics great Sir John Walker immortalised in bronze

New Zealand athletics great Sir John Walker has been immortalised in his home town with the recent unveiling of a life-sized bronze statue.

The statue, designed by sculptor Joanne Sullivan, depicts the moment Sir John crossed the finish line at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, where he won gold in the 1500 metres.

Unveiled last month, the statue faces his former primary school in Manurewa, South Auckland.

The statue was funded by the Sir John Walker Legacy Trust and cost about $160,000.

Walker said in 2017 he was surprised when he first learned a statue would be erected in his honour, commenting “it came as a big shock because normally you're dead.

"This is a legacy for others. When they look at the statue kids can say to each other 'if he can do it, so can I'."

Sir John, a former middle distance runner, broke the world record in the mile run in 1975 with a time of 3 minutes and 49.4 seconds.

The following year, he broke the world record for the 2000 metres.

Later, he was elected a Manukau City councillor, and now represents the Manurewa-Papakura ward on Auckland Council. Throughout his post athletic career he has been a powerful advocate for community and youth sport.

Sir John was appointed Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2009.

Images: Donors at the unveiling of Sir John Walker's statue in front of Manurewa Central School (top) and Sir John wins the 1500 metres at the 1976 Montreal Olympics (below).

27th September 2013 - CROWDS TURN OUT FOR NEW ZEALAND’S LARGEST CHILDRENS MARATHON

7th November 2012 - NEW AUCKLAND SPORT ENTITY MOVES FORWARD 

3rd May 2010 - MANUKAU SWIM INITIATIVE EARNS NATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD

17th August 2009 - KIWISPORT INITIATIVE GOOD FOR CHILDREN 

11th June 2009 - JOHN WALKER KNIGHTED

3rd April 2009 - FREE SPORT AND RECREATION FOR MANUKAU YOUTH

24th October 2008 - MANUKAU LEISURE PERFORMS AHEAD OF BUDGET

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.