Sydney Wooderson, legendary distance runner, dies at 92
Posted January 13th, 2007 at 12:00 PM by Hariz Siddiqui
Section: News & Results
Looks can be deceiving. One quick glimpse at runner Sydney Wooderson would likely cause comparisons to Woody Allen rather than a world-class athlete. Despite his small stature and wiry frame, Wooderson was one of the most impressive personalities in amateur running history.
Living to the age of 92, an impressive feat in-and-of itself, he was able to fill his life with an extensive list of accomplishments. By his early 20s a young Sydney was already breaking records in events of varying lengths.
Wooderson was a breakthrough performer in 880yard, 1500m, and 5000m races. Not only did he run in short and mid distances, but he also proved to be a praiseworthy competitor in long range running by taking the national cross-country title, a nine-mile race, late in his running career.
The fact that Sydney was able to put up fine numbers in the events that he raced in is something to be awestruck over. Even more remarkable, however, is the versatility that Wooderson displayed by his achievements in so many different events. A runner often has a specialty. He was able to break the mold by showing that one can be well rounded and dominating at the same time.
Beyond simple facts and figures lies a man that brought personality and zeal to the sport. Wooderson loved running. He wanted to run, and he wanted others to run as well. He was a member of the Blackhearth Harriers, an assemblage that simply loves the activity putting one foot in front of the other. Anyone with passion for the sport, ranging from jogging to sprinting to long distance running, is a prime candidate for the group. Being of such a mindset made Wooderson a wonderful choice for president, a role he played twice for the organization.
The strength of mind and personality allowed Wooderson to bounce-back from more than a few mishaps. Some such happenings include direct physical damage to his body in the form of an ankle injury, as well as a potentially disheartening turn at the 1948 Olympics, where he was bumped from running the torch for the final leg of the emblem’s journey in favor of a more aesthetically pleasing athlete. In spite of it all, Wooderson never lost his joy for the sport.
His character and accomplishments are a great inspiration for athletes to this day. Other important figures in the field have attributed their success to their desire to be like their idol, a desire to be like Sydney Wooderson.
Wooderson’s loyal following lobbied hard for recognition by The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. In the year 2000 Sydney Wooderson was finally accepted, and was granted the title of Member (MBE) in the prestigious organization.
Sydney Wooderson is a name that will continue to stand tall and serve as an inspiration to young athletes.
Research source and for more information: [Athletics Weekly]
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Tags: british empire, die, distance runner, england, MBE, member, olympics, pass away, sydney wooderson
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