The 1970 Commonwealth 10,000m champion’s legacy enhanced by becoming tribute.
His unforgettable efficiency in profitable 10,000m Commonwealth gold in 1970 made him a nationwide hero in Scotland, and now Lachie Stewart’s legacy has been additional enhanced after a brand new working observe within the city of Dumbarton was renamed in his honour.
The Olympian was born in close by Alexandria, near Loch Lomond, and lived a lot of his life within the native space till he handed away in Could on the age of 81 following a brief sickness. After his retirement from the game, he continued to be a robust advocate for it and will usually be discovered at native street races and occasions, chatting to rivals and handing out prizes.
The closest observe to his dwelling was to be present in Dumbarton’s Posties Park – a venue which has been renovated and noticed the model new observe formally opened for enterprise earlier this yr.
After a movement by Councillor David McBride, it has now been named in Stewart’s honour and members of his household, in addition to officers from West Dunbartonshire Council, West Dunbartonshire Leisure Belief and Scottish Athletics gathered earlier this week to unveil the signal and mark the milestone.
“Lachie Stewart was a proud son of West Dunbartonshire and considered one of Scotland’s most celebrated athletes,” stated McBride. “He made a long-lasting contribution to Scottish athletics, not solely by way of his exceptional achievements in competitors, but additionally by way of his continued advocacy for the game following his retirement. Renaming our working facility after him permits us to recognise each his extraordinary sporting accomplishments, and his lifelong connection to our neighborhood.”
Talking on behalf of the household, Lachie’s son Glen stated: “We’re all delighted that the park has been named after my dad, Lachie, who was so captivated with athletics and eager to encourage the subsequent era.
“Thanks to West Dunbartonshire Council for making this occur and to native athletics advocate Maurice Donohue for the suggestion which was taken ahead. It’s a actual honour and, alongside his Commonwealth Video games victory and his experiences on the Olympics, will present us with one other unimaginable lasting reminiscence of him.”
Stewart is greatest identified for his rousing victory on the primary day of these Commonwealth Video games in Edinburgh 55 years in the past, the place he kicked previous a number of world record-holder Ron Clarke of Australia with 100m to go to clock 28:11.72.
Stewart competed for Scotland in three Commonwealth Video games and in addition ran for Britain within the 1972 Olympics in Munich. Working for Vale of Leven AC and Shettleston Harriers, he gained 13 Scottish observe titles and twice gained the Scottish cross-country title. His first Scottish information came visiting 3000m steeplechase and he went on to set 18 Scottish information between 1966 and 1971 at occasions starting from the steeplechase to the one hour race.