John Sherwood

Loughborough alumnus and Olympic athletics medallist John Sherwood has died at the age of 80. John trained in Physical Education at the College of Education 1963 – 66 where he was elected Vice-Captain of the Athletic Club and was admired for his running talent, graceful hurdling and modesty. He always did things properly – there were no half measures and this was the basis of his success as an athlete and teacher.

After being a reserve for the 400m at the 1964 Olympics, (where alumnus John Cooper won the 400m Hurdles Silver medal), John turned to the 400m hurdles, at that time dubbed the "man killer" event. Having no "tartan" track in Sheffield, and being the complete amateurs with no sponsors, John and his wife Sheila trained for the 1968 Olympics in Mexico whilst working full-time as PE teachers.

Sheila won the Long Jump silver medal and John made the 400mHurdles final, and, from the unfavourable outside lane, won the bronze medal. It led to one of the most famous commentating gaffes in history as the BBC’s legendary David Coleman screamed "David Hemery of Great Britain wins, who cares who's third?” Later Coleman apologised to John who, ever modest, allegedly replied “but you were right”! John continued in amateur athletics won the Commonwealth Games 400m hurdles in 1970 and competed for GB until 1974, and later enjoyed wider public recognition on the BBC's all-round sporting test "Superstars."

They had inspired others! When Lord Coe presented the London bid to the IOC (in Singapore 2005) for the 2012 summer Olympics, he opened his presentation by explaining that his athletics passion originated as a boy from seeing the Olympic medallists John and Sheila training and competing in his home city of Sheffield.

After 40 years of teaching PE in Sheffield, John retired in 2006 after a finale school sports day at the Don Valley Stadium which was closed with an address from Lord Coe. News of his passing led to hundreds of affectionate social media posts from his former pupils.

Our condolences are extended to Sheila and his family.