George Gandy

10th May 1940 – 8th October 2020

Alumnus George devoted most of his working life to sport at Loughborough. He began his journey with the University in 1971 as a member of staff and undertook an MSc degree in Human Biology, graduating in 1975.

George received an Honorary Degree from the University in 2008 and was a member of academic staff in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences from 1971-2009. He simultaneously gave long service as the Director of Athletics.

Alongside his work at the University, George became an honorary UK National Endurance Coach from 1990-1997, before taking a similar role on a full-time basis from 2009 – 2013. He returned later in 2013 to the University as its Lead Endurance Coach (Athletics).

George was the driving force behind the Loughborough International Athletics meet (LIA) and contributed to the development of many University athletes, ensuring they had the opportunity to compete on home turf.

George coached more than eighty international athletes, which include major championship medallists such as Lord Sebastian Coe, Chris McGeorge, Paula Radcliffe, Jack Buckner and Lisa Dobriskey.

His achievements and devotion to athletics are internationally recognised. In 2003 and 2014 respectively, George was inducted into the UK Sport Coaching Hall of Fame and the England Athletics Hall of Fame. He has received the British Milers Club Coach of the Year award twice, in 1995 and again in 2008. He also won the BBC East Midlands Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.

George was also inducted into the Loughborough Sport Hall of Fame in 2018.