Albert Thomas

Albert George "Albie" Thomas OAM (8 February 1935 – 27 October 2013) was an Australian middle- and long-distance runner who set world records at two miles and three miles. He was born in Hurstville, New South Wales.

Career

Thomas set a new world record (13:10.6) for three miles at Santry, Ireland on 9 July 1958. He returned to Santry later that summer. On 6 August, he was the pacemaker in Herb Elliott's mile world record of 3:54.5; he had enough strength left to finish the race in 3:58.6, his first four-minute mile. The following day, he ran two miles in 8:32.0, also a world record.

Albie was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia, Australian Sports Medal, Centenary Medal, and has been admitted to the New South Wales Government Hall of Champions. He was awarded a Merit Award and conferred with Life Membership of St. George District Athletics Club.

Thomas died, aged 78, on 27 October 2013.