Tributes paid to athletics great John Landy

The sporting world is paying tribute to legendary Australian athlete and former Victorian Governor John Landy, who has died at the age of 91.

Landy, the second man to break the revered four-minute barrier for the mile in 1954, won bronze in the 1,500 metres at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and held the world record over that distance during his career.

Landy was also involved in what became known as the ‘Miracle Mile’ when he famously finished second to Roger Bannister at the 1954 Vancouver British Empire and Commonwealth Games.

Later he served as Governor of Victoria between 2001 and 2006.

Olympic gold medallist Cathy Freeman was among those in the Australian athletics community to pay tribute to Landy, stating “a true athlete, scholar and gentleman. Rest In Peace.”

Former world champion marathon runner and Australian Institute of Sport Director Rob de Castella described Landy as an "inspiration".

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe - a two-time Olympic 1,500m gold medallist - said Landy was one of the great pioneers of the golden age of middle-distance running in the 1950s, commenting "he lit the spark that led to the legendary chase for the four-minute mile between 1952 and 1954 and was one of main protagonists in that quest.

"Ultimately Roger Bannister got there first but was also the first to recognise that Landy's excellence inspired him to reach that historic landmark.

"Landy followed up by breaking Bannister's world record in Finland just six weeks later.

"Their race for the world record and their iconic meeting at the 1954 Vancouver Commonwealth Games captured the imagination of the world and did more to globalise our sport than any other event of that era."

Landy is most famously remembered for his performance in the mile final at the 1956 Australian Championships at Melbourne's Olympic Park.

In an incident described as Australia's "finest sporting moment of the 20th century" when a number of athletes fell during the third lap, with future Olympic medallist Ron Clarke among them, Landy stopped to check if Clarke was uninjured, before deciding to chase down the leaders to win the event.

Athletics Australia president Jan Swinhoe said Landy's contribution to Australian athletics was immeasurable, stating "we are incredibly saddened to learn of John's passing, and our sincere condolences are with Lynne, Alison and Matt, as well as the many people within the athletics community who were touched by John's talent and humility.

"John knew what it took to excel at the highest level, and his determination to reach new heights has inspired generations of Australian distance runners.

"His athleticism was only matched by his sportsmanship and his service to others, and those qualities have allowed him to leave behind a powerful legacy."

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews pointed out “there's a statue at Olympic Park dedicated to the spirit of sportsmanship.

“And it's cast in the figure of a Victorian who embodies that spirit more than any other - John Landy.

"John lived a life like no one else ever could - a Governor, an Olympian, a record breaker, and an athlete beyond compare.”

Premier Andrews also noted Landy’s time as Governor, noting “during his time as Governor, he always worked to ensure that those in power never lost sight of the Victorians they served.

“He held Government to account at every step, and his service helped make Victoria a fairer and stronger state.

“John was a man of many pursuits, but Victorians will remember him most proudly as the phenomenal athlete that he was.”

Landy will be farewelled in a private service in the coming weeks, and his family have accepted a State Memorial Service where Victorians can pay tribute to his legacy.

Further details will be available in the coming weeks.

Images: John Landy receives the Helms World Trophy for amateur sport at the Melbourne Town Hall in 1954 (top, credit: Victoria State Library) and in 2004 (below).