Vale John Landy

The Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC), manager of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, has been saddened to learn of the passing of MCC member, former Governor of Victoria and champion middle-distance runner, John Landy AC CVO MBE.

Landy passed away on Thursday February 24 at 91 years of age.

Landy was a dual Olympian – competing at the 1952 Helsinki Games, and the 1956 Melbourne Olympics – during which he claimed bronze in the 1500m in front of a hometown crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

A Sport Australia Hall of Fame Legend, Landy was the first Australian – and just the second man in the world – to break a four-minute mile, and was a world record holder for the 1500m and mile races.

However, in Australia Landy is perhaps most famous for his act of sportsmanship and mateship during the Australian National Championships prior to the 1956 Olympics.

During the 1500m final, Landy stopped mid-race to check if fellow runner, Ron Clarke – who fell during the race – was ok, before continuing his run and chasing down the athletes ahead of him to win in a time of 4:04.2.

This act of true Australian spirit is depicted in a statue at Olympic Park.

Not only was he an accomplished athlete, Landy was also appointed the 26th Governor of Victoria in 2001 – a position he held until his retirement in 2006.

During his time as governor, Landy was appointed a Commander of the Royal Victoria Order (CVO) during the Queen’s visit to Australia, and was the final runner in the Queen’s Baton Relay at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, presenting the baton to the Queen during the Opening Ceremony at the MCG.

Landy’s connection to the MCG continued beyond his track performances, becoming an MCC member in 1955. He remained a member for the next 66 years, becoming a 50-year member in 2005. Landy was also an MCC Committee member from 1991 to 2000, chairing the Marketing Sub-committee before resigning to take up Governorship.

In recognition of his contributions to the Club, Australian sport and to the state of Victoria, the John Landy Room is named in his honour – a space adjoining the Members’ Dining Room reserved for the exclusive use of the MCC’s 50-year members.

MCC President Michael Happell reflected on Landy’s life of service to his state, to his sport and a legacy that will live on through the Melbourne Cricket Club.

“The Club is deeply saddened by the passing of John Landy – a true Australian sportsman whose contributions to Australia spread far beyond his performances on the track.

“Known for his modesty and sportsmanship, his legacy of mateship and dedication will continue to inspire generations to come.

“Few can match his contribution to Victoria and Australian sport during his years as Governor and as an athlete.

“A prominent and much-loved member of the MCC, he will be sorely missed around the Club, particularly among fellow 50-year members who will continue to socialise in the room named in John’s honour.

“On behalf of the Club, I send my condolences to John’s family and friends,” Mr Happell concluded.

In 2016, Landy generously donated a collection of unique and personal material to the Club, encompassing over 1700 individual items from his early athletics days through to his retirement. You can read more about his generous donation in the 2016 spring edition of The Yorker.

A State Memorial Service will be held for Landy, with details to be advised in the coming weeks.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends, including wife Lynne and children Matthew and Alison.