BRITAIN: Tributes have been paid to Chris Brasher, the man behind the London marathon, who died at his home yesterday aged 74. Brasher's place in sporting history was sealed when he helped Roger Bannister smash the four-minute mile on May 4th, 1954.
Two years later, he won Olympic gold in the 3,000m steeplechase in Melbourne. The authorities had stripped him of his gold medal for allegedly fouling Norway's Ernst Larsen, but they reversed their decision after an appeal backed by Larsen.
Last night Sir Roger said: "Chris was gallant and brave right to the end. He had won so many battles in his life. We had more than 50 years of friendship, \ Chataway [who also helped Sir Roger break the four-minute barrier\], Brasher and I, and we mourn him and grieve for his family."
Brasher is survived by his wife, Shirley Bloomer, who twice reached the quarter finals of the women's singles at Wimbledon. They married in 1959 and had three children, Kate, Hugh and Amanda.
The chief executive of the London marathon, Mr Nick Bitel, said: "This is a very sad day. He was a remarkable man who had the most amazing drive and vision and without those qualities the London marathon just would not have come into existence. He had a will-do attitude.
"If he thought it was right, he would do it and just get it done. He would never take no for an answer. Without those type of qualities the marathon could not have happened."
Brasher planned the first London marathon on March 29th, 1981, with Olympian John Disley, after being inspired by New York's in 1979. They wanted to bring some "fun and provide some happiness and sense of achievement in a troubled world".
- (PA)