Coventry kid David Moorcroft honoured ahead of Olympics

By Steve Carpenter 27/07 Updated: 27/07 20:10

Buy photos » David Moorcroft has been instrumental in bringing the Olympics to Coventry. Photo by Jon Mullis 23.010.002.jm3

DAVID Moorcroft has received a Good Citizen award for his help in getting Coventry's name recognised on a worldwide scale for their involvement in the London 2012 Olympics.

The former Commonwealth Gold medalist has been working as the overal Olympic Ambassador for Coventry to maximise opportunities in the area ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Covering the areas of sport, business, tourism, culture, education and training camps, Mr Moorcroft has been instrumental in supporting the city at a local, regional, national and international level.

Judge Richard Griffith Jones, the Honorary Recorder of Coventry,said: "He has used his considerable talent and influence in making sure Coventry and Warwickshire has achieved the largest engagement in London 2012 compared to any other city outside London."

Dave Moorcroft is globally known for his athletic achievements in the late-1970s and 1980s.

He won gold medals in the 1978 Commonwealth Games over 1500 metres and in 1982 over 5000 metres.

He also finished in medal positions at the European Athletics Championships, and has held records at world, European, and British levels – indeed, he still holds the British record for the fastest 3000 metres in a time of 7:32.79.

The former Woodlands School pupil served as the chief executive of UK athletics from 1997 to 2007, and received an MBE in 1983 and an OBE in 1998 for services to British sport.

He also developed the Coventry Sports Foundation being the Chief Executive from 1981 to 1995, and remains a Trustee.