Dave Bodington

Speed skater Dave Bodington´s Olympic appearance was a very brief one. While taking part in the 500 metres event at the 1968 Grenoble Winter Games, his opponent Jan Bols of the Netherlands fell at the first bend a few seconds into the race. Bodington could have risked jumping over him and continued the race but, instead, sacrificed his chance of wining the heat by throwing himself sideways onto the ice and into the surround boards. His action saved the Dutchman from possible injury, although he did receive cuts and ice burns himself. Two days later Bodington battled to compete in the 1500 metres but finished last of 53. Bodington´s selfless action saw him awarded the short-lived “Tokyo Trophy” presented to him by Avery Brundage. The Trophy was launched after the 1964 Olympics and was awarded for an “Act of great Sportsmanship”. Bodington was the second, and last, recipient of the Award.

Bodington studied sports physiology at the University of Birmingham and went on to become a top speed skating coach. One man he mentored was world champion Wilf O´Reilly, who was a double Olympic gold medallist at the 1988 Games when short track speed skating was a demonstration sport.

Personal Bests: 500 – 43.6 (1968); 1000 – 1:28.3 (1968); 1500 – 2:13.1 (1968); 5000 – 8:49.9 (1968).