Tony Benson

 

 Athletics
Inducted : 1996

 tony benson2

Profile

Has had the distinction of being appointed National Coach of Athletics in the Philippines from 1979 until 1983 and in Australia from 1988 until 1993.

Has coached 8 Olympians including Hector Begeo and Sharon Stewart (Russell).

International Level

  • 1969 - Pacific Conference Games 1500. Gold.
  • 1971 - Won major races in Oslo, Koln and Stockholm in  distances from 3000m to 5000m.
  • 1971 - Ranked No. 5 in world over 5000m.
  • 1971 - Ran 7.50.2 for 3000m, at the time the 8th fastest ever  recorded.
  • 1972 - Selected Australian Olympic Team.
  • 1972 - Set an Australian 5000m record which stood for 16 years until 1988.
  • 1972 - Won major U.S.A. Invitation races in Bakersfield Modesto and Los Angeles.