Frank Dennis SANDO

Frank Sando ran the 10,000 metres on the track at the 1952 and 1956 Olympics, but was far better known for his cross-country exploits. Sando placed fifth in the Helsinki 10K, despite losing a shoe on the third lap, and running with one bare foot for the remainder of the race. He won the Kent junior cross-country title in 1948 for Maidstone Harriers, but later moved to Aylesford Paper Mills club. Between his Olympic appearances, Sando placed 3rd in the 3-miles and 2nd in the 6-miles at the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, competing for England.

In cross-country Sando’s biggest feats came in winning the International Cross-Country Championships in 1955 and 1957. He was also second in that event in 1953, 1956, and 1959, and placed third in 1958. He won the Kent Championships in cross-country eight times and was English National Champion in 1957. He stopped competitive running in 1963. By profession Sando worked as a statistician, retiring in 1991. He also held many posts with the Kent Athletics Association.

Personal Best: 10000 – 29:27.6 (1954).