The Old 'Fox' has gone! That was the friendly term used to describe George Harrison's style of racing in the press, when he ran in the 1960's as a canny cross-country runner, or as a top class marathon man. I just learnt that he died yesterday, Monday 23rd January.
George had the unusual distinction of being a President of Highgate Harriers, and much later as President of Shaftesbury Barnet AC. The latter was the club he joined as a coach and had success with both Shaftesbury and Abbots Langley School. So many middle distance athletes have benefited from his tough coaching methods, even though some had gone on to be with more well known coaches at the time. George Harrison's enthusiasm for helping his many athletes had no bounds so, when he was 81 in 2014 he was awarded an MBE. As a more lowly club runner I had advice from him for cross-country and for the many marathons I did.
He will be missed by the young and the old athletes.