David Hemery

David Hemery

David Hemery was born on July 18th, 1944

Full Name: David Peter Hemery
Place of Birth: Cirencester, England
Profession: Hurdler and Author
Notable Achievements: 1968 Olympic gold medalist
Event: 400 meters hurdles
Personal Best: 48.12 seconds
Books: Written multiple athletics-related books
Legacy: UK Athletics Hall of Fame

A renowned Olympic gold medalist and author, known for his exceptional hurdling skills and inspiring literary works.

Written by: Cassandra Blake Cassandra Blake

David Hemery: The Unstoppable Hurdler

David Hemery is a renowned British former track and field athlete, famously known for winning the 400 meters hurdles at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, setting a new world record with a remarkable time of 48.12 seconds.

Athletics Career

Hemery's journey to success began with his first international title at the 1966 Commonwealth Games, where he won the 120 yards hurdles in an impressive 14.1 seconds. He retained this title four years later at the 1970 Commonwealth Games, this time in the 110m hurdles with a time of 13.8 seconds.

Olympic Glory

The Mexico City Olympics in 1968 marked a significant milestone in Hemery's career, where he won the 400m hurdles with a world record time, leaving a substantial margin of victory between him and the second-place winner, Gerhard Hennige from West Germany. This remarkable performance earned him the 1968 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

Post-Olympic Achievements

In 1969, Hemery secured a silver medal at the European Championships in the 110m hurdles. Despite struggling with injuries, he returned to the track in 1972, finishing third in the 400m hurdles at the Munich Olympics. Hemery was also a member of the silver medal-winning British 4 x 400m relay team.

Superstars

Hemery's exceptional athletic prowess extended beyond track and field. He won the first-ever British Superstars competition in 1973 and repeated his victory in 1976, earning recognition as Britain's best Superstar.

Awards and Honors

Hemery's impressive achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including:

Legacy

David Hemery's remarkable athletic career has left an indelible mark on the world of track and field. His dedication, perseverance, and natural talent have inspired generations of athletes, solidifying his place as one of the greatest hurdlers of all time.

Timeline
1944
Born in Cirencester, England
David Hemery was born on July 18, 1944, in Cirencester, England. He would go on to become a successful hurdler and author.
1964
Won Olympic gold medal
Hemery won the gold medal in the 400m hurdles at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.
1968
Won European Championship gold medal
Hemery won the gold medal in the 400m hurdles at the 1968 European Athletics Championships.
1972
Retired from athletics
Hemery retired from competitive athletics, citing injuries and a desire to focus on his writing career.
1998
Published autobiography
Hemery published his autobiography, Athlete, which explored his life and career as an athlete and writer.
David Hemery

David Hemery Quiz

What event did David Hemery win an Olympic gold medal in?

Score: 0/5
FAQ
What is David Hemerys most notable athletic achievement?
David Hemerys most notable athletic achievement is winning the gold medal in the 400m hurdles at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.
What is David Hemerys coaching philosophy?
David Hemerys coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of building a strong technical foundation, as well as developing mental toughness and resilience.
What awards has David Hemery won?
David Hemery has won numerous awards for his athletic achievements, including the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award and a place in the UK Athletics Hall of Fame.
What is David Hemerys legacy in athletics?
David Hemerys legacy in athletics is as a pioneering coach and athlete who helped shape the sport in the UK and beyond, and continues to inspire future generations of athletes.
How did David Hemerys athletic career impact his coaching style?
David Hemerys athletic career has significantly informed his coaching style, as he draws on his own experiences as a world-class athlete to guide and motivate his athletes.

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