Former Team GB Olympian Brian Hewson has passed away at the age of 89.
Hewson is a two-time Olympic competitor, having competed in the 1956 games in Melbourne and the 1960 games in Rome. He also won gold in the 1500m at the 1958 European Championships in Stockholm.
Hewson became just the fifth man to run a four-minute mile on May 28, 1955, just over a year after Roger Bannister first achieved the feat. He passed away peacefully in Cape Town on Tuesday (September 13), having relocated there in 2005, his daughter Caroline told The Sun.
"We are all inspired by his discipline, his determination and drive when you think that back when he competed on an international level he was still holding down a full time job as a tailor at Simpson Piccadilly in London," Caroline said.
"We are all very competitive, we all have that grit, drive and determination that shone through in everything my father did." Hewson's son, Charles, added: "He continues to inspire me in my participation in all sports, and particularly my running - although I’m nowhere near Dad's level.
"I help organise and run a running club, JPMorgan RC - and enjoy seeing the success of other better athletes, as Dad did once he retired from competitive athletics.
"I have fond memories of being introduced to several athletes in the 70s and 80s who dad had helped in their career, through his officiating and organisation of athletics meets at Crystal Palace."
The family have planned a memorial service in November to celebrate his life.
World Athletics also paid tribute to Hewson, writing: "World Athletics is deeply saddened to hear that Brian Hewson, two-time Olympic competitor and 1958 European 1500m gold medallist, died on Tuesday at the age of 89."
