Billy Savidan

Prior to World War II Billy Savidan was the best long-distance runner in New Zealand, with him winning more than a dozen national titles. In 1927 Savidan was the New Zealand champion in the 1 mile, 3 miles, and cross-country race. Over the next decade he won each race on multiple occasions, with two wins in the 1 mile (1928–29), six wins in the 3 miles (1928–29, 1932–34, 1937), and five wins in the cross-country (1928–29, 1931, 1933, 1935). At the 1930 British Empire Games in Hamilton, Ontario he won gold in the 6 miles. He also competed in the 3 miles race in Hamilton but did not finish. Savidan ran in both the 5,000 and 10,000 metres at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, finishing fourth in both races.

Personal Bests: 5000 – 14:49.6 (1932); 10000 – 31:09.0 (1932).