From 1500 metres to the marathon, Netherlands-born Theodorus Jacobus Leonardus Quax – know since childhood as “Dick” – was one of the outstanding New Zealand and world athletes through the 70s. He first made his international mark at the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh in 1970 when he finished second in the 1500 metres to Kip Keino. Injury and form lapses dogged Quax’s career but all came right for him in 1976 and 1977 when he was second to Lasse Virén in the 5000 metres at the Montreal Olympics and in Stockholm in 1977, he set a 5,000 metres world record. Quax had also taken time out from the track to help New Zealand win the world cross-country team title in 1975 and later in his career, turned to the road to run a debut marathon in 2-11:13, the fastest in the world for a first-timer to that date. He had also combined for two other world records, the 4×1 mile relay (the last to be recognised for the distance) and the 4×1500 relay (which wasn’t recognised because one of the opposing runners ran a leg without the baton). Quax continued his involvement in athletics as a successful coach and promoter. He was an Auckland City Councillor from 2011.
Personal Bests: 5000 – 13:12.86 (1977); 10000 – 27:41.95 (1977).
New Zealand