Frank Salvat

Frank Salvat joined Finchley Harriers (now Hillingdon Athletics Club) as a teenager and soon became one of the club’s outstanding runners. In the 1960 AAA three miles, he beat the defending champion Bruce Tulloh by nearly five seconds to capture his only senior individual AAA title. Salvat made his international début for Great Britain against France in the 5,000 metres at the White City that year and then went to the Roma Olympics. Unfortunately, like many of the British athletes, he arrived in Italy with little time to prepare and get acclimatised to the extreme heat. Consequently, he bowed out of the 5,000 after finishing seventh in his opening heat.

Salvat later joined Portsmouth AC and teamed up with Tulloh and others, as the club went through the most successful era in their history. Sadly, Salvat died in poverty at Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex, in 2013. As nobody claimed the body, he was about to have a pauper´s burial when locals stepped in and raised enough money to give him the funeral he deserved. Local pubs, business and residents all contributed, as did Salvat´s old club, Hillingdon AC

A former London magazine designer, Salvat´s wake was held at the New Inn, Hurstpierpoint, where he was known as “Cider Frank”, because of his love of the local tipple. It was recalled at the wake that Salvat´s pre-race diet involved a “pie and a pint” and it was said that he would have a sip of brandy before each race and have a cigar waiting for him at the finish line. Win or lose, Frank Salvat was a man of class.

Personal Best: 5000 – 13:54.80 (1960).