In an interview I did with swimming legend David Wilkie in 2013, I asked him if he wanted to live to a ripe old age. He replied: "I'm not sure about that. You know, three score and 10 would sort of be satisfactory." Sadly, on 22 May 2024, David did indeed die at the age of 70. He also told me he wanted to be remembered "as a great athlete and a good man". That much was already guaranteed long before then.
Millions of us Brits were bursting with pride when we watched an emotional David Wilkie step up to the Olympic podium and receive his gold medal for the 200m breaststroke at the 1976 Montreal Games. Completing the event in a world record time, he was the first British swimmer to win an Olympic gold medal since Anita Lonsbrough 16 years earlier.
"When that medal was hung around my neck I thought: "The amount of work that's gone into winning this little thing is atrocious!' he revealed. It started for David in Sri Lanka where he was born (on 8 March 1954) and brought up, learning his chosen sport at the Colombo Swimming Club. Aged, 11 his parents sent him to boarding school in their native Scotland.
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Denne historien er fra July 2024-utgaven av Best of British.
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Animal Magic
Hilary Middleton recalls a children's author whose tales are still enjoyed today
BACK IN TIME WITH COLIN BAKER
BoB's very own Time Lord prepares for an alternative to panto, recalls his early reading choices and having his scenes cut from two cutting edge comedies
Marvels in Miniature
Claire Saul learns about the exquisite works on display at a new exhibition being held at a historic Georgian mansion
The Last Post
Michael Foley witnessed the end of an era
The Box of Delights
Chris Hallam remembers how his Christmas 40 years ago was lit up by a magical television drama
The Queen of Stage and Screen
Chris Hallam pays tribute to actress Dame Maggie Smith
Other 07
Jonathan Sothcott looks at the seven Sir Roger Moore films that you should have in your collection
In the Best Possible Taste
Derek Lamb remembers the wireless wizardry of Kenny Everett
POSTCARD FROM BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
Bob Barton remembers a ghostly train journey, enjoys some wassailing and fulfils a long-held ambition of attending a lawnmower festival
MERCY MISSION
John Greeves recounts the remarkable exploits of Sunderland flying boat T9114
