3 days ago
‘One of the all-time iconic moments' – Tributes pour in as Scottish athletics legend dies
His career highlight came at a famous home Commonwealth Games
RIP LACHIE 'One of the all-time iconic moments' – Tributes pour in as Scottish athletics legend dies
SCOTTISH athletics legend Lachie Stewart has sadly passed away at the age of 81.
The running great's career highlight came when he won the 10,000m at the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh.
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Lachie Stewart winning gold at the 1970 Edinburgh Commonwealth Games
Credit: Getty
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It was a massive moment for Scottish sport on home soil
Credit: Getty
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And tributes have come in from near and far after his sad death
Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Scottish Athletics described it as 'one of the all-time iconic moments for athletics in Scotland'.
Stewart also competed at two other Commonwealth Games in Jamaica and New Zealand and also ran for Team GB at the 1972 Olympics in Munich.
The Alexandria athlete – whose full name was Joseph Laughlin Stewart – stayed in the sport after having up his spikes, and was often seen presenting medals at events.
He was voted into the Scottish Athletics' Hall of Fame in 2018 and is also in the wider Scottish Sports equivalent.
Lachlan's son, Glen, shared the news of his dad's sad passing in hospital in Paisley after a short illness, adding that 'his hardest race has now been run and he will be greatly missed'.
And the announcement brought tributes from far and wide.
Scottish Athletics said: 'Everyone at Scottish athletics and within our community sends our thoughts at this sad time to Lachie's family and his many friends across the sport.'
One admirer harked back to that famous day in 1970 as they wrote: 'I still remember that great race when he won the gold medal at the Commonwealth games.'
The Scottish Running podcast said: 'They don't make 'em like that anymore. Legend & gentleman.'
And Tricia Marwick, the former Presiding Officer at the Scottish Parliament, paid her own tribute. She wrote: 'Sad news.
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'I watched Lachie Stewart win the Commonwealth Gold medal on TV in 1970 in Edinburgh.
"I was so proud. Thanks for such wonderful memories.'
And athletics photographer Bobby Gavin said: 'Never meet your heroes?
"After watching the 1970 Commonwealth Games this awestruck wee boy approached the Gold Medalist at Shotts Highland Games.
'He was polite and friendly, and in 2021 could still tell me the route & time. RIP Lachie, you were a catalyst for a love of athletics.'
One athletics fan commented: 'Was in the Meadowbank Stadium with my Dad when Lachie Stewart won the gold medal at the Edinburgh Commonwealth Games in 1970.
'A fantastic Scottish sporting memory. RIP Lachie and thank you.'
Another well-wisher added: 'Sorry to hear of the passing of the great Lachie Stewart, Commonwealth gold winner 10,000m at Edinburgh 1970.
'Had the pleasure of meeting him when I worked in Maritime Heritage.
'He was a superb builder of model ships (superb doesn't do them justice). An absolute gentleman.'
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