An 81-year-old running coach from Swansea has been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours after dedicating more than 60 years of his life to coaching and supporting athletes across the city. John Leslie Stuart Griffiths, from Fforestfach, has been awarded the prestigious British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to athletics in Wales - and says his win came as a wonderful surprise and that he has no idea who nominated him!
Mr Griffiths first became involved in local athletics back in 1959 and went on to become one of the founding members of the well-known Swansea Harriers Athletics Club in 1962. He has continued to play an active part in the club ever since - and still coaches a group of young people today.
"I first became involved in athletics in 1959 through the Cockett Boys Club and about three years later the leader suggested we set up a separate athletics club. I'm one of the founding members, we set up the Swansea Harriers in 1962," Mr Griffiths told WalesOnline. "I'm still involved in coaching, I have a group of about a dozen youngsters - some of them are really talented and could go a long way, it's nice being able to help the younger generation." You can get the biggest Swansea news stories straight to your inbox with our newsletter.
