Ray Middleton

Ray Middleton was one of a quartet of outstanding British race walkers in the 1960s alongside Don Thompson, Paul Nihill, and Ken Matthews. However, because of his height (over six feet) Middleton started his athletics career as a high jumper and half-miler when he was a schoolboy.

In his twenties, Middleton switched to race walking and became a member of the Belgrave Harriers and enjoyed a career that spanned the 1960s and 70s. Instantly recognisable for racing with a handkerchief on his head, Middleton won the 1961 Surrey two miles title and that same year finished second in the 50k, and third in the 20 miles at the National Road Walking Association Championships. He went on to win the national 50km title in 1963 and 1965 and enjoyed a total of 14 podium finishes at either 50km, or 20 miles. The closest Middleton came to a AAAs title was third in the seven miles in 1963. Between 1961-73 he won 11 England caps.

On the international stage, Middleton competed in the 50km at the 1964 Olympics, finishing 11th, and also at the 1962, 1966, and 1969 European Championships, with a best finish of fifth in the latter of those two years. One of his finest performances was in winning silver in the 20km at the 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games at Kingston, Jamaica, behind fellow Briton Ron Wallwork. Middleton took part in the inaugural IAAF World Race Walking Cup at Lugano in 1961 and finished fourth. Two years later at Varese, he finished second to Hungary’s István Harasi in the 50km. In both those years, Middleton was on the gold medal-winning Great Britain team.

Middleton worked for the Post Office in their London sorting office and, as such, was eligible for the European Postal Road Walking Championships, which he won in his home city in 1970.

Personal Best: 50kmW – 4-15:51 (1972).