Mike Ryan won the bronze medals in the marathon at the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Kingston and at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City – the one in fierce heat and the other in thin air. The latter achievement is often regarded as one of the greatest achievements in international athletics by a New Zealander because of the rarefied air that favoured athletes from high altitude countries. Scottish-born Ryan outperformed two of the pre-race favourites, defending champion Abebe Bikila and Australian Derek Clayton. Within three months of his Jamaica performance, Ryan won the prestigious Fukuoka marathon in Japan. He was named Sportsman of the Year in 1968. He also won a range of New Zealand titles, including the 10,000m and 5000m on successive days in 1971.
Personal Best: Mar - 2-14:05 (1966).
New Zealand