Athletics stars in tribute to generosity of Belgrave patron Sir Eddie Kulukundis
Sir Eddie pictured at his wedding to the actress Susan Hampshire.
Stars of British athletics have been sharing their stories of support they received from Sir Eddie Kulukundis, who died this week at the age of 88.
Sir Eddie became patron of Belgrave Harriers in 1985, and with his help the club became virtually unbeatable in the British League and on the road throughout much of the 1990s and early 2000s.
His support also played a vital part in the success of many of British athletics’ brightest individual talents in an era before National Lottery funding. As Athletics Weekly puts it, “he donated several million pounds in total to promising athletes for little reward other than the simple pleasure of seeing them reach their potential and knowing he helped them along the way.”
Those names include - but are not limited to - Mo Farah, Dwain Chambers, Denise Lewis, Dean Macey, Jason Gardener, Jo Pavey, Steve Ovett, Sally Gunnell and Roger Black.
A full obituary by club historian Alan Mead is to follow, but in the meantime we are collecting tributes below:
John Gladwin, Belgrave Harriers president and Commonwealth medalist: “What a wonderful man. So kind and generous. When I had ME he invited me to his house. I could barely run. He told me he was going to pay my mortgage for six months and give me an open ticket to Australia. He said, “I don’t care how fit you get, I just want you to come home well”.. I will never forget, Sir Eddie. Thank you.”
Matt Yates, 1990 commonwealth medalist and now elite middle distant coach: “A wonderful person and fun character who was so generous. He created opportunities for so many in the world of athletics and beyond.”
Chris Rawlinson, Belgrave hurdler and Commonwealth gold medalist: “Helped me and my coach so much. BAF and then the following UKA didn't invest in me before 97 but Sir Eddie did. He saw my potential when others didn't. Giant in our sport.”
Tony Shiret, Newham and Essex Beagles: “The club would like to extend its condolences to his wife and family and to the members of Belgrave Harriers. Despite the rivalry between the Beagles and the Bels on the track and road/country Sir Eddie helped Beagles athletes as well as his own. His period of support for athletics was a Golden Era, which owed much to Sir Eddie's efforts and un-wavering enthusiasm. RIP."
Rex Bale, Belgrave life member: "My memory of Sir Eddie is his visits to league fixtures at the Battersea track (I was a field official) where he would follow the athletes he was supporting in great detail, recording their results and drawing on the mass of stubby pencils he carried in his lapel pocket. I remember his arrival at the track in his Mercedes on one occasion where he or his chauffeur decided to take the scenic route from the Chelsea Bridge entrance of the park along the steep, narrow footpath behind the track! Sir Eddie made a huge contribution to the club."