1954 Winner CHRIS CHATAWAY [Athletics] Chataway represented Britain in a special athletics match-up with Russia. He was behind Vladimir Kuts in the 5,000m, when he raced ahead to win in the last 10 strides in a world-record time. The dramatic pictures were broadcast to 12m viewers.
1955 Winner GORDON PIRIE [Athletics] Pirie, the middle distance running champion, reportedly covered 200 miles a week during training. He clinched the award after setting five world records and beating a string of first class athletes, a feat that won him huge popularity.
1956 Winner JIM LAKER [Cricket] The phenomenal feats achieved by Laker at Old Trafford in 1956 still rate as the finest bowling in Test cricket. In a stunning performance he took 19 wickets for 90 runs off 68 overs in England's win over Australia. In all he claimed 193 wickets in just 46 Tests.
1957 Winner DAI REES [Golf] At 44 Rees became the oldest winner of the Sports Personality of the Year. In 1957 he captained the Ryder Cup golf team which brought the title back to Europe after 22 years, becoming a national celebrity in the process.
1958 Winner IAN BLACK [Swimming] Following on from the previous year's oldest winner, 17-year-old Scottish swimmer Ian Black became the youngest winner of the trophy after he won three European medals and Empire Games gold in the summer of 1958.
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