17 Facts About Ron Clarke

Ron Clarke was one of the best-known middle- and long-distance runners in the 1960s, notable for setting seventeen world records.

Ron Clarke attended Essendon Primary School, Essendon High School and Melbourne High School.

In 1956, when Clarke was still a promising 19-year-old, he was chosen to light the Olympic Flame in the Melbourne Cricket Ground during the opening ceremonies of the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne.

Ron Clarke won the bronze medal in the 10,000 metre race at the 1964 Summer Olympics when he was upset by Billy Mills, and never won an Olympic gold medal.

However, Emil Zatopek gave him one of his own Gold medals, which Ron Clarke described as one of his most cherished presents.

At the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, Ron Clarke collapsed and nearly died from altitude sickness sustained during the gruelling 10,000 m race final.

Ron Clarke finished in sixth place, but remembered nothing of the last lap.

Ron Clarke recovered sufficiently to compete in the 5,000 metre heats a few days later.

In 1965, Ron Clarke beat the 10,000-metre world record in Turku, Finland, with a time of 28:14.0; however, it was never ratified, as it was said that permission to run was requested too late.

Ron Clarke was elected Mayor of the Gold Coast, Queensland, in 2004, defeating the incumbent Gary Baildon.

Ron Clarke resigned as Mayor of the Gold Coast on 27 February 2012, when he announced his nomination to run as an independent candidate for the seat of Broadwater in the 2012 Queensland state election.

In 2011, Ron Clarke was part of the lobbying team that secured the 2018 Commonwealth Games for the Gold Coast, Queensland.

In 1966, Ron Clarke was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire "In recognition of service to athletics".

On 15 March 2006, Ron Clarke was one of the final four runners who carried the Queen's Baton around the MCG stadium during the 2006 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Ron Clarke died of kidney failure on 17 June 2015 at Allamanda Hospital in Southport, Queensland.

Ron Clarke is survived by his wife Helen and sons Marcus and Nicolas.

Ron Clarke was a wonderful contributor to public health through lifestyle programs and gymnasiums and the communities in which he lived.