George Coleman

Between 1951 and 1956, George Coleman won five AAA walking titles and enjoyed a further three podium finishes. He won the two miles three years in succession, 1953-55, and the seven miles in 1954 and 1956. A member of Highgate Harriers from 1946, Coleman competed at the 1952 and 1956 Olympics, finishing fifth and seventh respectively in the 10 km. He also finished ninth at the 1954 European Championships in Bern.

Coleman won the National Road Walking Association’s 20 miles title in record time of 2:40.8 in 1955. He also won the Midlands 10 miles title six years in succession 1950-55. Coleman competed beyond the age of 50 and in 1971 took part in the Calne (Wiltshire) Road Walk over six miles just before his 55th birthday. It was a race he had last won 25 years earlier and, in 1971, a fellow competitor in the women’s race was his daughter Christine.

Personal Bests: 10kmW – 44:07 (1956); 20kmW – 1-34:02 (1956).