My name John Landy and I represent ‘Nature’s gifts’ because I was the
second runner in the world to run a mile (1600m) under 4 minutes. I am best remembered,
perhaps, for my sportsmanship. In 1956, during the Australian mile championship, a fellow
competitor, Ron Clarke, fell over. I stopped to help him, and then went on to win the
race. In recognition of this sporting gesture, I was chosen to read the Olympic oath at
the 1956 Olympics Games in Melbourne.
1901-2001 Centenary of
Federation