John Landy paved the way for a golden era in Australian middle-distance running, shattering the Australian record in 1952, breaking the world record in 1954 and subsequently featuring in two iconic sporting moments.

AOC President John Coates says John Landy personified the values of the Olympic movement in every respect.

“If Australia needed a role model, it is John Landy. He was a pioneer - and his rivalry with Roger Bannister, as the pair closed on the sub four-minute mark for the mile, captured not only Australia’s imagination, but that of the world.

“While Roger Bannister was first to conquer it, recording a time of 3:59.4 in Oxford on May 6, 1954, John was quick to better the mark 46 days later (21 June) in Finland with a time of 3:57.9 (rounded out to 3:58.0 under the practice of the day) – that really set the scene.

“Their showdown at the Empire Games in Vancouver later that year was dubbed “The Miracle Mile” for good reason – Bannister passing John in the final stages. John looked left, and Roger Bannister passed him on the right to win the gold.”

“But it was John’s extraordinary act of sportsmanship in stopping to assist injured rival Ron Clarke in 1956 at the Australian mile championship that says so much about John Landy. More extraordinary still, that he then chased the field down to win that race.

“How appropriate that the Sport Australia Hall of Fame recognised that act as the Finest Sporting Moment of the 20th Century back in 1999.

Mr Coates said such was John Landy’s standing that he was selected to read the Athlete’s Oath at the Opening Ceremony of the Melbourne 1956 Olympic Games.

“There could not have been a more appropriate figure to recite the Oath. As a Victorian, at the MCG, at the first Olympic Games to be held in the southern hemisphere, it was quite a moment.

“John picked up the bronze in the 1500m but his career exemplified the fact that sport is so much more than medals. Excellence, respect and friendship – those Olympic values summed up John Landy.

Mr Coates observed that John Landy’s career after sport also reflected the character of a great Australian.

“He was Victorian Governor, a collector with a strong interest in natural history. He rightly received numerous awards and forms of recognition, but he was modest about his achievements, preferring to reflect on the talents and abilities of his rivals.

“It is a sad moment for the Olympic movement in Australia but we will always remember John Landy as a man who both espoused and lived the Olympic values.