Arthur Lydiard

Date of Birth: July 6, 1917

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: December 11, 2004

Biography

Arthur Lydiard was a renowned New Zealand runner and athletics coach, widely celebrated for his pioneering training methods and significant impact on the sport of long-distance running. Born on July 6, 1917, in Auckland, New Zealand, Lydiard initially pursued running as a hobby but quickly became dedicated to the sport. His innovative approach to training, which emphasized periodization and building a strong aerobic base, revolutionized the way athletes prepared for competition. Lydiard’s coaching career took off when his athletes began to achieve remarkable success on the international stage. Notably, his training methods produced Olympic gold medalists like Peter Snell and Murray Halberg during the 1960 Rome Olympics. Lydiard’s influence extended globally as he shared his expertise through coaching clinics and mentorship, helping to shape the careers of numerous athletes around the world. Lydiard’s legacy in athletics is enduring, with many of his training principles still in use today. He authored several books on running and training, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most influential figures in the history of athletics. Arthur Lydiard passed away on December 11, 2004, leaving behind a lasting impact on the world of sports.

5 Interesting Facts about Arthur Lydiard

1. Arthur Lydiard developed the concept of “base training,” which emphasized building a strong aerobic foundation before focusing on speed and intensity.

2. He coached athletes who won six Olympic medals, including three golds, during the 1960 and 1964 Olympics.

3. Lydiard was a key figure in the jogging movement, promoting running for health and fitness well beyond competitive athletics.

4. His training methods were adopted by coaches and athletes worldwide, influencing the development of modern distance running.

5. In 1962, he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to athletics.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Arthur Lydiard

1. “Miles make champions.”

2. “It’s not the best athlete who wins. It’s the best prepared.”

3. “There is no such thing as going too slow on your long runs.”

4. “The marathon is a race you run with your head.”

5. “To be successful, you must decide exactly what you want to accomplish, then resolve to pay the price to get it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Arthur Lydiard’s exact net worth was never publicly disclosed, but his influence and contributions to athletics were priceless in the realm of sports history.