Clonliffe Harriers are saddened by the news from Australia of the passing of our friend the legendary Albie Thomas today. Albie had been unwell for sometime. The great Albie Thomas will be forever synonyms with Santry and Clonliffe Harriers. Fifty five years ago he set two World Records in Santry in 1958, World three mile record on the 9th of July and World two mile on August 7th, the day after he paced Herb Elliott to the World Mile record in Santry. Albie always had great affection for Clonliffe and was proud to have his achievements marked and remembered by Clonliffe at the Morton Games with the Albie Thomas 3000m, indeed Albie`s daughter Robyn was our special guest at the Morton Games in July where she presented t shirts to the top three in that race signed by her father. Every St. Patrick`s Day Albie would send a special greeting to his friends in Clonliffe Harriers, he will be sadly missed by us. Rest in peace Albie.
Above Albie Thomas sets World 3 Mile Record July 9th 1958
Above 50 years later Albie in Santry July 2008
There is an excellent tribute to Albie on New South Wales Athletics which includes tributes from athletes who`ve competed in Santry including Herb Elliott, Ben St. Lawrence, Eloise Wellings and Brid Delaney. to view click here: http://www.nswathletics.org.au/News/ArtMID/1740/ArticleID/23857/VALE-Albie-Thomas-1935-2013