John Landy

John Landy ( John Michael Landy, born April 12, 1930 in Melbourne) is an Australian middle - and long-distance runner, who was active in the 1950s. He set a world record in the mile run and was after Roger Bannister the second man, the (1609 m) put back a mile in less than four minutes. From 2001 to 2006 he was governor of the state of Victoria.

Biography

Landy grew up in Melbourne, where he visited the location in the Malvern District Memorial Grammar School. He then spent some years in the 75 km southwest of Melbourne located Geelong, before returning to Melbourne to study Agricultural Science ( completion in 1954 ). During his studies, he represented Australia at the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki. There, about 1500 m and 5000 m times of 3:57,0 min or 14:56,4 min were recorded for him, with whom he did not come into the finals. In the same year he had already participated in the first national championships and over 880 yards and one miles each location 2 ( 1:55,3 4:13,8 min respectively ) occupied.

In the following years he won five league titles:

His success was the year 1954. Having Roger Bannister with 3:59,4 minutes on May 6 In 1954 broken over the mile first runner of the earth, the four-minute barrier, Landy broke him six weeks later in Turku with a power of 3:58,0 min from the world record holder. Since he was also stopped at the 1500 m mark with 3:41,8 min, was at the same time of only two weeks old world record by the American Wes Santee ( 3:42,8 min) of the past.

With great excitement the duel against Bannister Landy at the British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Vancouver was expected. Million sports fans who watched the event on television and radio, in 1954 received a witness as a " race of the century " in the history of competition in August. Only Bannister could follow Landy, who had sat down already in the first round to the top. The dramatic high point of the race, as in the last corner Landy looked back over his left shoulder and Bannister simultaneously vorbeizog right at him. The Briton won in 3:58,8 min, and Landy had to settle for the silver medal, although he remained with 3:59,6 min for the second time in his life under four minutes.

In his second at the Olympics in the 1500 meter race of the Games in 1956 in his native Melbourne Landy won the 1500m in 3:42,0 min behind the Irish Ron Delany ( gold in 3:41,2 min) and Klaus Richtzenhain from the GDR ( silver also in 3:42,0 min) the bronze medal. In these games, Landy also had the honor to bear the Olympic oath on behalf of all athletes.

But Landy became famous especially due to its sporting fairness. At the State Championships in 1956 in the Melbourne Olympic Park Ron Clarke crashed due to jostling in the third round of the mile race. The uninvolved because Landy stopped to help him back on his feet. Then he took out the now widely hurried field again, sat down at the top, and finally went to finish first ( Clarke was fifth ). The race is still one of the great moments of Australian sporting history.

John Landy has received several awards:

• Member of the Order of the British Empire (1955 )
• Companion of the Order of Australia ( 2001)
• Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (2006).

Landy worked for ICI (now ORICA ltd ), one operating in the chemical industry company. He also authored two scientific books and went through lecturing a name. From 1 January 2001 to 7 April 2006, he served as Governor of Victoria in office.

Since 1971, he is married to Lynne Landy. The couple has two children.