British Runners of the 1980s

Available for over a year

The late 1970s and 1980s epitomised the acme of British running. A handful of UK athletes were on a winning streak, smashing world records and garnering medals from all the top competitions. Kirsty Wark hears from Steve Cram, Brendan Foster, David Moorcroft, Sebastian Coe and head coach Frank Dick. Gruelling training, psychological one-upmanship and sheer determination created a climate of fierce competition which only served to make each man run faster. Olympic medallist Brendan Foster led the field in the 1970s providing inspiration and gold-plated advice for his young protégé Steve Cram. The intense rivalry between Sebastian Coe and Steve Ovett captured the public imagination – especially at the controversial 1981 Moscow Olympics which created not one but two great upsets. David Moorcroft watched the two races and the following year went on to become the fastest man in history when he ran the 5,000 metre race that would change his life. Frank Dick was the British Athletics Federation's Director of Coaching at the time and helped his athletes cope with stunning wins and traumatic failures. Our guests debate what made that time so successful, share their own highs and lows and give their advice to today’s athletes. Producer: Karen Pirie Series Producer: David Prest A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4