Herb Elliott facts for kids
Elliott at the 1960 Olympics
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| Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Birth name | Herbert James Elliott | |||||||||||||||||||
| Nickname(s) | Herb | |||||||||||||||||||
| Nationality | Australian | |||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 25 February 1938 Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia |
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| Height | 5 ft 11 in | |||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 150 lb | |||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Country | Australia | |||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | Middle-distance running | |||||||||||||||||||
| Coached by | Percy Cerutty | |||||||||||||||||||
| Achievements and titles | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Olympic finals | Rome 1960 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Personal best(s) | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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Herbert James Elliott, also known as Herb, is a famous Australian athlete born on February 25, 1938. Many people consider him one of the greatest middle-distance runners of his time. He was known for never losing a mile race during his career!
In August 1958, Herb set a new world record for the mile run. He finished in an amazing 3 minutes and 54.5 seconds. Later that same month, he broke the 1500 metres world record too.
At the 1960 Rome Olympics, he won the gold medal in the 1500 metres. He even broke his own world record with a time of 3 minutes and 35.6 seconds. Herb won all 36 mile races he ever ran. He also ran the mile in under four minutes 17 times!
Herb Elliott retired from running soon after the 1960 Olympics, when he was just 22 years old. After his running career, he became very successful in business.
Contents
Early Life and Amazing Records
Herb Elliott was born in Perth, Western Australia, on February 25, 1938. He went to Aquinas College, Perth, where he was a top student. The school's strong focus on sports helped him become a great athlete.
On August 6, 1958, Herb set a new world record for the mile in Dublin, Ireland. His time was 3 minutes and 54.5 seconds. Later that month, he broke the 1500 metres world record in Sweden with a time of 3 minutes and 36.0 seconds.
Commonwealth and Olympic Games
At the 1958 Commonwealth Games in Cardiff, Wales, Herb won two gold medals. He won the 880 yards race and the mile race. Two years later, at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, he won the 1500 metres gold medal. He set a new world record time of 3 minutes and 35.6 seconds. He finished far ahead of the second-place runner.
Herb often said his coach, Percy Cerutty, was a huge inspiration. Cerutty encouraged his athletes to train very hard and naturally. He would take them to sand dunes where Herb would sprint until he was exhausted. Cerutty's famous words were: "Faster, it's only pain."
Life After Running
After his amazing running career, Herb went to university. He studied natural sciences at the University of Melbourne and later at the University of Cambridge. He retired from competitive running in 1962.
Herb also had a very successful career in business. He was the CEO of Puma North America, a big sports company. He also served as chairman of Fortescue Metals Group, a large mining company in Australia.
Sydney Olympics Role
Herb Elliott was one of the special people who carried the Olympic Torch at the opening ceremony of the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. He brought the torch into the stadium just before the Olympic Flame was lit.
Family Life
On May 2, 1959, Herb married Anne Dudley. They have six children together.
Awards and Recognition
Herb Elliott has received many honours for his achievements and contributions.
- In 1986, he carried the torch of peace at the Melbourne Cricket Ground when Pope John Paul II visited Melbourne.
- His running career even inspired a 1962 Australian television play called The Runner.
- In 1964, he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
- In 2002, he received an even higher honour. He was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC). This was for his leadership in Australian sport and his work with the Olympic movement. It also recognized his support for youth, health, and cultural groups.
- He is recognized as an Australian Living Treasure.
- In 1985, he was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
- A new port near Port Hedland, Western Australia, was named "Herb Elliott Port" in his honour by Fortescue Metals Group.
See also
In Spanish: Herbert Elliott para niños
