Ron Hill, John Whetton, Andy Carter and Jess Piasecki are amongst former members
The winter of 2024-25 sees the centenary of the College of Manchester Cross Nation Membership.
Over the previous century the membership has been on the forefront of sport at Manchester, offering alternatives for all talents, a few of whom have risen by means of the ranks, not least Ron Hill who joined in 1957 as a 3rd crew member and left in 1964 along with his doctorate and clutching an invite to develop into an Olympian and signify Nice Britain within the 1964 Tokyo Video games. He was, in fact, to go on to have an illustrious profession, successful Commonwealth and European gold on the marathon, in addition to representing GB in three Olympics.
However Hill was not alone: fellow Manchester pupil John Whetton was additionally chosen for each the 1964 and 1968 Olympics, ending fifth within the 1500m closing on each event.
The penultimate weekend of September 1969 was a proud one for the cross nation membership and the entire college: on the Saturday Whetton stormed dwelling within the 1500m to win European gold in Athens; the subsequent day, to not be outdone, Hill received the marathon to convey double gold again to Manchester. And a yr later Hill was victorious within the Commonwealth Video games of 1970 in what many argue was a world finest time.
John Whetton (Mark Shearman)
Accompanying Hill to the 1972 Olympics was Andrew Carter, reaching the 800m closing, having the earlier yr taken the bronze medal place within the European Championships in Helsinki; the subsequent yr the ex-Manchester pupil broke the British report for the third time.
To the shock of many, and a sign of how instances have modified, it’s only within the final 50 years that ladies have been allowed to compete at cross nation, with Jess Piasecki working within the 2021 Olympics, whereas Aimee Pratt has competed within the final two Video games. Whereas at one time ladies have been handled as second finest, in current instances they’ve outnumbered the boys and exceeded them by way of achievements.
Additional success at worldwide degree has come for over 30 ex-cross nation membership runners within the latter half of its existence. And the cross nation membership has been profitable off the sector additionally, with many members remaining within the sport put up college, whether or not as medical administrators, crew managers, physiotherapists, coaches, or directors.
Tiler Bilyard chased by Marcus Shantry (J-P Kearns)
Because the 1967 the membership has promoted the College Cross Nation Relays, catering for round 800 athletes, with prizes to the worth of over £3000 donated by Ronhill Sports activities, the corporate that the late Ron Hill based. That is the premier cross nation relay for pupil groups throughout the nation with this yr’s occasion being held on October 26: particulars may be discovered right here.
READ MORE: Ron Hill dies aged 82
March 15 will see the cross nation membership’s centenary dinner, with near 200 previous and current members already signed as much as have fun this landmark. You could be studying this as a previous member of the membership who has misplaced contact? If that’s the case, electronic mail brucejohngreen@yahoo.com or contact the membership by way of its social media channels.
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