John Disley
Track
Britain's first world-class steeplechaser and the first British athlete to break the 9-minute barrier in the event. Olympic bronze medallist at Helsinki 1952 and co-founder of the London Marathon in 1981.
Biography
John Disley was born in Corris on 20 November 1928 and became Wales’ premier athlete during the 1950s. He was the first British athlete to break the 9-minute barrier in the steeplechase, and was widely regarded as Britain’s first world-class performer in the event.
At the 1952 Helsinki Olympics he won bronze in the 3,000m steeplechase, becoming the first Welshman to be named British Athlete of the Year — an honour he also won in 1955. He set four British records at 2 miles and five at 3,000m steeplechase, won three AAA steeplechase titles, and claimed four Welsh mile championships.
Beyond athletics, Disley became a pioneer of orienteering and outdoor education. He co-founded the London Marathon in 1981 alongside Chris Brasher, and served as vice-chairman of the Sports Council (1974-82). He received a CBE in 1979.