Eric Shirley

Eric Shirley was at the peak of his track and field athletics career in the mid-1950s and attracted significant attention in 1955 when he won a 3,000 metres steeplechase race against the best runners in the world. The following year he was selected to represent Great Britain in that event at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, where he reached the final and finished eighth. Four years later he again competed in that event, at the 1960 Roma Olympics, but was eliminated in round one. By career he was a property developer, but also held several positions in the administration of athletics. He continued running into his 90s and set a national record in the indoor 800 metres in the over-80 category. His son Eric Shirley, Jr. was a member of the management team for Great Britain at the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics.

Personal Best: 3000S – 8:47.6 (1955).