Induction into
England Athletics Hall of Fame 2011

To coach one athlete to an Olympic title and world record is a monumental achievement, but in Bruce Longden’s case he guided two of Britain’s greatest ever athletes to the ultimate distinction in the sport. A year before being appointed a BAAB National Coach, he began coaching a precocious all-rounder by the name of Daley Thompson – and later, he was coaching another athlete who would hit the heights in Sally Gunnell. In 1984 as Head Coach for the Norwegian Athletic Federation for 4 years, then returned to Britain to serve as a BAF National Coach from 1991 to 1997, his specialist areas being the combined events, hurdles and jumps, and these days he divides his time between France and South Africa.