ATHLETICS: Outstanding middle distance runner Merv Lincoln (22 Nov 1933 – 1st May 2016) passed away after a long battle with alzheimers disease on Sunday. 

He was a dual Olympian and Commonwealth Games medallist. His outstanding career was sandwiched between two of Australia’s and the world’s greatest milers, John Landy and Herb Elliott.

Merv repsented Australia in the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne finishing 12th in the final of the 1500m in 3.59.0. He won his heat in 3.45.63 but was hampered by injury in the final.

He finished 2nd in the 1958 Cardiff Commonwealth Games 1 mile in 4.01.9. At his second Olympics at Rome in 1960 he was eliminated in the 1500m heat in 3.47.18. Elliott would go on an win the gold medal in 3:35.6.

Merv finished 2nd in the famous Dublin 1 mile in 1958 won by Elliott in a world record. His time was 3.55.9 which was his lifetime best. He broke the 4 minute 1 mile barrier 5 times in his career.

Despite being overshadowed by Landy and Elliott, he still won the 1959 National 1 mile title and was runner up in 1957 and 1958.

Merv’s pb’s were 880yds – 1.52.3 in 1958, 1,000m – 2.23.8 in 1956, 1,500m – 3.42.0 in 1957, 1 mile 3.55.9 in 1958, 2,000m – 5.12.5 in 1960, 2 miles – 8.52.0 in 1958, 3 miles – 13.41.0 in 1958.

With thanks to Paul Jenes