C1064 Ian Richards

Centurions

Ian Richards C1064

Race walking had excellent coverage on BBC South TV when Olympian Ian Richards, now in the over 70 age group, was awarded the Sports Personality for 2019 for BBC South for his outstanding victories in the Veterans Masters Worldwide and beyond.

Ian had a lengthy interview displaying many of his Gold Medal achievements. He finished 11th in the 50 Kms Olympic Walk in Moscow in 4 hrs 22 mins and then retired for 25 years before returning to the Veteran scene when he was 60. Well done to him and so heartening to see much needed publicity for race walking.

In 2019, Ian has dominated his M70 age group, winning the world masters 5km walk and then taking European titles in the 5000m track walk, 10km and 20km as well as two team titles. However, his path has not been easy this year as as he was disqualified in the British masters 3000m indoor and outdoor championships as well as the world masters 10km.