Well, not won — more been offered and happily accepted.
Former Commonwealth Games champion Dick Tayler is the new patron of Athletics Otago.
Tayler (74) won the 10,000m at the Christchurch Commonwealth Games, in a race which was full of drama and is still one of New Zealand athletics most memorable moments.
Tayler, who these days lives in Waikouaiti, said he was humbled and honoured to be offered the position and has greatly embraced the honour.
"I have got a real connection with Otago and Dunedin athletics. This where it all really started for me and something I’m really rapt to receive," he said.
Tayler said as an up-and-coming young athlete all those years ago he used to come and compete in Dunedin. He used to run at the old Caledonian in Hillside Rd where The Warehouse and Pak ’n Save supermarket is now.
"We always wanted the Caledonian to shift and move to Logan Park. It has but not until all our generation stopped competing. Don’t get me wrong the Cale’ was a good track and we ran some good times but you always had that wind coming off the harbour.
"I grew up on the family farm in Timaru and was working there when my dad told me to go on an OE, so I went to Dunedin. My dad said to go work for someone else and then I would appreciate the old man one day."
He came to Dunedin and immediately became immersed in the athletics scene and continued to grow as an athlete.
Under the guidance of his coach, former Otago Daily Times sports reporter Alistair McMurran, he made his New Zealand international debut at the 1969 Pacific Conference Games in Tokyo where he grabbed the 1500m silver and in the 1970 campaign he landed a maiden national senior crown over 1500m. His most prominent achievement is his gold medal in the 10,000m run at the 1974 Christchurch Commonwealth Games which was one of Athletics New Zealand’s most iconic victories.
After retiring from the sport at the age of 26, Tayler worked as a marketing manager for the Harness Racing Association, a brewing company and also served as president of the Canterbury Rugby Supporters Club.
Today he works in the gaming industry and with his partner Brenda, walks at least an hour a day.
Tayler, who has three children, and four grandchildren, is still in demand as a popular public speaker — with his 1974 Commonwealth Games story as relevant today as it was some 48 years ago.
"I am very grateful to the Otago athletic community for contributing hugely to my success as an athlete, but also in giving me the opportunity to forge friendships that exist to this day.
"I am deeply honoured to have been nominated as Patron of Athletics Otago."
Tayler said his aim was to go to as many athletics meetings as possible and help in any way he could.
