Athletics-Reaction to death of Australian athlete Ron Clarke
SYDNEY, June 17 (Reuters) - Reaction to the death on Wednesday of Australian distance running great Ron Clarke, who was 78: - - "One of the greatest runners in history, who inspired a generation after him." Ray Flynn, Irish former middle distance runner and athlete's agent. - - "I just heard that Ron Clarke passed away today in Australia. He was a true friend and competitor. We met on and off the track for many years. RIP Ron Clarke. I will never forget you. Creator bless your journey. Billy." Billy Mills, native American who beat Clarke to 10,000 metres gold at the 1964 Olympics. - - "He leaves behind the inspiration more than anything, he was a real iconic athlete with a real passion for the Gold Coast and the Australian life." Sally Pearson, Olympic hurdles champion, fellow Gold Coast resident and captain of the Australian athletics team. - - "Ron will forever be a legend of our sport and we are grateful for his extensive contribution to the sport of athletics, as well as to public service during a life that should be celebrated." David Grace, Athletics Australia president - - "He didn't just break world records, he put them into another hemisphere." Steve Moneghetti, Australian former distance runner - - "It was Ron Clarke's sportsmanship that defined his running career." Tony Abbott, Australian Prime Minister - - "Ron Clarke embodied the true spirit of Australian sport. He was a champion, one of the greatest in his fields, but in rare defeat he also demonstrated dignity and courage." John Wylie, Australian Sports Commission chairman - - "Ron was a great man. His contribution to athletics was enormous. He was also a wonderful contributor to public health through lifestyle programs and gymnasiums and the communities in which he lived. Ron will be greatly missed." Herb Elliott, 1,500 metres champion at 1960 Olympics. - - "Ron Clarke was not only known as a world class athlete but a man who contributed enormously to the community." John Bertrand, chairman of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame (Compiled by Nick Mulvenney, editing by Peter Rutherford)
