Olympic Club History
A Touch Of History
Founded in 1949, by Fred Mair and Lionel Fox, two of Canterbury's most noted distance runners, and some exceptionally capable administrators, the Olympic Harrier and Athletic Club quickly became one of the most competitive clubs on the Canterbury scene. The name 'Olympic' was chosen because it portrayed excellence and that emphasis has been, and is, the aim of all areas of athletic endeavour the club fosters.
Lionel Fox and Jack Clarke were the Club's first New Zealand representatives in the Empire Games Marathon in 1950, when Jack was the bronze medallist. There have been many more who have gained national representation since. John Sheddan and Paul Smith both gained New Zealand selection for three World Cross-Country Championships. Paul won several national titles on the track, road and cross-country and Geoff Pyne similarly gained several national track and cross-country national titles, was a Commonwealth Games representative in 1966 and a New Zealand Team World Cross Country representative in 1967, 1970 and 1971.
Women members first appeared in 1953 and as individuals and in teams have been highly successful. Perhaps the most prominent has been Debbie Sheddan a New Zealand track champion and Commonwealth Games representative in 1991 and multiple title winner on the local scene. Robyn Duncan, in 1997, was our first New Zealand Womens Marathon Champion and Brenda Fortune, June Miles and Anne Clarke have all achieved international successes in masters grades.
There have been many outstanding athletes but space limits an extensive list. The Macdonald twins, however, must be mentioned. Jim and John, dominated middle and long distance racing in Canterbury for two decades and into masters ranks where they achieved world championship and world record status for a further two decades. Their example has encouraged many to enjoy masters athletics as the years overtake us.
But a club depends on more than just its stars and the Olympic Club's record in team events shows how even less-capable runners were inspired to victorious performances. It is this interdependence on fellow club mates which provides the most memorable satisfaction. Successful or defeated, Olympic has always created a keen loyalty amongst all of its members. Many have run for several decades with the doyen being Red Maddock who took part in the Opening Run in 1949 and is still competing regularly. Many members have long family connections within the Club. Parent and child running combinations are numerous and the Richards family (with Noni - a 1950 member, Kevin - Club Champion in 1954, and Glenn and his son Stewart) has now achieved four generations of membership.
The Club has been exceptionally fortunate in those who offered themselves for administrative roles throughout the years. Club Officers pride themselves on maintaining in the Olympic Club a spirit of friendliness, efficiency and caring for fellow members which is unsurpassed.
Although traditionally fostering competitive racing throughout all age groups, as a glance at any of the local team trophies shows, the Club also has a strong social emphasis. All members are supported in their enjoyment of the sport and are encouraged to improve their health and fitness, and where desired, are assisted to develop their running, walking and field events talents through opportunities for coaching, and competition both within the Club and beyond.
But history doesn't stop. The past has gone - in enjoyment, in effort, and in achievement. Current and new members will decide the future.