Gerry North

Gerry has devoted his life to athletics and road running and at the age of 75 he shows no sign of slowing down! He was a British International athlete and one of the UK's best cross country runners during the 1960s and is hugely respected for his contribution to the sport. Gerry has been Team Manager at City of Portsmouth AC (both Seniors and Veterans) and for the Hampshire County team, President of the Hampshire Athletics Association, Race Director for various high-profile road races in the South such as the Victory 5 and D-Day 10k, and Team Manager for South of England and National road running teams... all of this done voluntarily with no financial reward. He also gives up his time several times each week to coach aspiring athletes - both young and more 'mature' - at Portsmouth's Mountbatten Centre and has helped many achieve national success through his expertise. Gerry is quite a unique individual and deserves to receive recognition in this way for everything he has achieved and also given back to athletics. At the City of Portsmouth AC his nickname is 'The Legend', which sums it up. To illustrate how young-at-heart he still is, last summer he went to Ibiza on a singles holiday at the age of 74... quite incredible! Gerry still keeps active and has a fabulous zest for life. Being a torch-bearer at the 2012 Olympics would be the perfect opportunity to honour his immense contribution to athletics. Please choose Gerry - it would be a fitting choice indeed.Gerry also received an award from England athletics in 2010 for services to athletics. President of Belgrave harriers in 2004-2005