Herb Elliot

Just three years after beginning his athletic career, Herb Elliott ran his first sub-four minute mile. This achievement eloquently typifies Herb’s remarkable life.

Herb Elliott, the runner, is widely regarded as the greatest ‘miler’ of all time.

In 1960 at the Rome Olympics herb became an Australian hero when he won Gold in the 1500m.

Behind the scenes it had been a hard road to Rome for the young Australian. Training more often than not took second place to his young family and university studies. His attitude to training though was uncompromising; for Herb it was only after the pain stretched body and soul, that he considered himself really making progress. This is a philosophy he still ascribes to today.

When Herb retired he’d accrued an amazing 44 consecutive victories in world-class competition for distances over the mile. Australia recognised him with the Helms Award in 1958 and MBE for outstanding service to Australian Athletics, in 1964.

Herb Elliott continued the spirit of sporting excellence into his successful business career. He was Chief Executive of Puma in the United States before returning to Australia in 1997.

He was the Director of Athlete and Community Service for the Australian Olympic Committee. His responsibilities included the Australian Olympic Team for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

Herb Elliott is a remarkable person; happy to share his wealth of wisdom about the lesson sport can teach us on achieving success and fulfilment in life.