Dave Stephens

Dave Stephens, popularly known as “The Flying Milkman” based on his day job, had a moderately successful career on the track as a schoolboy, but did not truly come to realize his talents until he began training with Emil Zátopek in Czechoslovakia in 1953. His hard work eventually paid off as, two years later, he won the 3 and 6 mile events at the 1955 Australian National Championships. He was in peak form at the beginning of the following year and set a world record in the six mile with a time of 27:54.0. All of this placed high hopes on Stephens’ performance at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, where he was entered into the 10,000 metres event. Unfortunately, he suffered a heel spur injury shortly prior to the Games and finished 20th. He retired from active competition shortly thereafter and later worked as a teacher.

Personal Best: 10000 – 29:34.0 (1956).