Flashback - AAA's Championships (26/11/2014)

We have recently had access to a range of programmes from the AAA's Track & Field Championships dating from the 1930's to the present day. Amongst these items were a number of photographs of Tipton Harriers.

The first comes from the programme for 1969. It shows Allan Rushmer (wearing No. 19) coming second to Keisuke Sawaki of Japan in the 1968 Pepsi International 5000m. Just take a look at the track conditions. Allan had by then won a bronze medal at the 1966 Empire Games 3 Miles held in Jamaica and had a long and succesful international career. A "favourite son" of Tipton Harriers who joined in the early 1960's from Oldbury A.C.. His other sporting love is known to be West Bromwich Albion.

Tipton - AAAs Programme Extracts 0002 Edited 2

Next we have Steve Emson from the 1979 edition where he is in the final of the 1978 1500m. Steve, at a young age, came under the coaching skills of Tony Phillips and matured into a quality international middle distance runner.

Some of you may also be familar with both former 5000m World Record Holder Dave Moorcroft (Coventry Godiva Harriers), who spoke at our Centenary Dinner, and Tim Hutchings (Crawley A.C.) who both now do occasional TV athletics commentary.

Tipton - AAAs Programme Extracts 0003 Edited 2

Finally we have Eddie Wedderburn in the 1986 3000m S/C. Eddie continued Tipton's love affair with steeplechasing following the likes of the late Andy Holden and Peter "Geno" Griffiths into the event known as the "man killer". Eddie was recently seen at "Bud's Bash" entertaining the guests with his excellent vocals as a part of a soul and funk live band. 

Tipton - AAAs Programme Extracts 0004 Edited 2