Richard A. WEST

Ron West first made an impression as a walker in 1938, when he finished third in the invitational two miles race at the City of London Police Sports. A draughtsman by profession, West was a member of Cambridge Harriers, and shortly after World War II, was appointed club secretary. He finished third in both the two and seven miles races at the 1948 AAA Championships, with Harry Churcher and Jim Morris occupying first and second place respectively on each occasion. At the Olympics shortly afterwards, West was the third Briton home the 10 km walk in seventh place, with Morris fourth, and Churcher fifth. West was still competing beyond the age of 40 and, in what was a trial for the 1956 Olympics, he finished third, at the age of 42, at the British 50 km Walking Championship at Enfield, behind Don Thompson and Albert Johnson. The first two men home both went to Melbourne, while Eric Hall was chosen as the third Briton.

Personal Best: 10kmW – 47:11.6 (1948).