Brian Cecil Vernon ODDIE

Brian Oddie was a leading performer on the flat, in the steeplechase and as a cross-country runner. His best finishes at the AAA Championships were second in the 4 miles (1930) and fourth in the steeplechase (1929). He had a fine international record, finishing second in the 5K in both his matches against France (1927, 1929) and being the individual winner in the 3 miles team race against Germany (1929). He was also a finalist in the Olympic 5K in 1928 and placed sixth in the 3 miles at the 1930 British Empire Games. While at the University of London, Oddie won the UAU 3 miles in 1926 and other successes included a victory in the Kinnaird 3 miles in 1929. He was also 29th for England in the 1929 International Cross-Country. He joined the Air Ministry as a meteorologist after graduating, and stayed there until his retirement. During the war he served as Wing Commander in the RAF and was appointed CBE.

Personal Bests: 2 miles – 9:31.6 (1927); 3 miles – 14:29.8e (1930); 5000 – 15:11.8 (1929).