Tribute to Arthur Lydiard

Sport and Recreation Minister Trevor Mallard today paid tribute to kiwi sporting great Arthur Lydiard who passed away yesterday.

“Arthur Lydiard had the rare honour of being a legend in his own lifetime,” Trevor Mallard said.

“Arthur’s vision for athletics was well before his time. He was a sporting pioneer, unafraid to try new methods and test the boundaries of accepted practice.

“His inspiration and influence lead to some of our greatest achievements as a nation, and put New Zealand on the sporting map. His influence on international sport was also immense as word of the success of his ground-breaking endurance training techniques spread overseas.

"Arthur coached at the highest level - including Olympic gold medal winners Murray Halberg and Peter Snell. But he also coached youngsters at club level, supporting both the kids with talent and the tryers. He showed huge dedication to his sport and athletics in general.

"I was lucky enough to meet Arthur several times as a child and again more recently. He was certainly a larger-than-life character.

“New Zealand is mourning the passing of one of our greats but we celebrate the legacy he has left behind,” Trevor Mallard said.

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