Ian Stewart, Scottish runner

Ian Stewart MBE: A Scottish Long-Distance Running Icon

Ian Stewart MBE, born on January 15, 1949, is a distinguished Scottish former long-distance running athlete whose exceptional talent illuminated the track and field world between the late 1960s and mid-1970s. Recognized with the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1979 for his outstanding contributions to sport, Stewart was consistently ranked among the globe's elite distance runners, leaving an indelible mark on the sport with his remarkable achievements and unique racing strategies.

A Stellar Career Defined by Gold and Bronze

Stewart's career was adorned with multiple prestigious medals, underscoring his versatility and dominance across various championships. A pivotal moment came at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, where he secured the bronze medal in the Men's 5000 metres. This memorable race was famously won by the legendary Finnish runner, Lasse Virén, making Stewart's podium finish a significant accomplishment against world-class competition. Beyond the Olympics, his illustrious list of titles includes:

• European 5,000 metres Champion: 1969
• Commonwealth 5,000 metres Champion: 1970
• European Indoor Champion: 1969 and 1975 (twice)
• World Cross Country Champion: 1975

The Prodigious Rise: Junior Records and Early Dominance

Stewart's potential was evident from a remarkably young age. In 1965, at just 16 years old, he achieved a British age best time of 9 minutes 12.8 seconds for 2 miles, signaling his precocious talent. His rapid progression continued, and two years later, he set a European junior record for 3 miles with a time of 13 minutes 39.8 seconds. The year 1968 saw him further solidify his status as a rising star by breaking multiple European junior records across four different distances: 3000m, 2 miles, 3 miles, and 5000m, demonstrating his exceptional range and endurance.

Senior Breakthrough and the Legendary 1970 Commonwealth Games

His transition to senior ranks in 1969 was seamless and impactful. Stewart immediately made his mark by claiming the European Indoor 3000m title, setting a new UK record of 7 minutes 55.4 seconds. He then captured the Amateur Athletic Association (AAA) 5000m title with a time of 13 minutes 39.66 seconds, before achieving a significant international victory at the 1969 European Athletics Championships in Athens, where he won the 5000m gold medal in 13 minutes 44.8 seconds.

The year 1970 etched Ian Stewart into athletic folklore, particularly with his performance at the Commonwealth Games 5000 metres. Here, he not only set a new European record but also achieved the world's season-best time of 13 minutes 22.8 seconds to clinch the 5000 metres title. This race is widely regarded as one of the greatest long-distance races of all time due to the calibre of the field and Stewart's incredible tactical execution. He decisively defeated an assembly of running legends, including:

• Ron Clarke: The then-current world record holder in the 5000m and 10000m, an Australian icon.
• Kip Keino: The reigning Olympic 1500 metres champion from Kenya, known for his explosive speed.
• Ian McCafferty: A fellow formidable Scottish competitor.

Stewart's strategic brilliance was on full display, as he unleashed a blistering final lap of just 54.4 seconds, an astonishing burst of speed at the end of a demanding 5000m race. This decisive move left his esteemed rivals struggling, with Kip Keino finishing 3rd and Ron Clarke 5th, a testament to Stewart's exceptional closing speed and tactical prowess.

Navigating Challenges: Injury, Illness, and Olympic Redemption

The 1971 season presented unforeseen challenges for Stewart, as his momentum was disrupted by bouts of illness and recurring injuries. This period proved to be an anti-climax, temporarily halting his progress. However, he demonstrated remarkable resilience, returning to full fitness in time for the pivotal Olympic year of 1972.

In the highly anticipated 1972 Olympic 5000 metres final, Stewart faced another hurdle when he was involved in a collision with the formidable American runner, Steve Prefontaine, with approximately 700 metres remaining in the race. Prefontaine, a national hero in the U.S. known for his aggressive front-running style, was also a strong medal contender. Despite this significant mid-race incident, Stewart showcased incredible determination, producing an amazing burst of speed in the home straight to secure the bronze medal with a time of 13 minutes 27.6 seconds. His final sprint was so powerful that he covered the home straight faster than even the gold medalist, Lasse Virén (who finished in 13:26.4). Stewart later expressed his belief that the collision with Prefontaine ultimately cost him the gold medal, highlighting his competitive drive and conviction.

The Comeback King: Cycle Racing, World Cross Country, and Later Years

Following a somewhat disappointing 1973 season and a mediocre 5th-place finish (13:40.4) in the Commonwealth Games 5000m final in early 1974, Stewart made an unconventional but astute decision: he temporarily stepped away from track racing to take up cycle racing. This period allowed him to "recharge his batteries" and regain his competitive edge, showcasing his innovative approach to training and recovery.

Suitably refreshed, he made a triumphant return to athletics in 1975, demonstrating his enduring class. March 1975 saw him achieve an excellent double triumph: winning the European Indoor 3000m crown (7:58.6) and, notably, the gold medal at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships. This latter victory holds particular significance as Ian Stewart remains Britain's last male winner of this prestigious global cross country title, marking it as his final major international honour.

Even in his later years, Stewart continued to deliver quality performances. At the 1976 Olympics, he finished 7th in the 5000m final, losing to Lasse Virén by a mere 2.89 seconds after dropping from second to seventh place in the last 300 metres – a testament to the high level of competition. In 1977, he set a 10-mile world road best with an impressive time of 45 minutes 13 seconds, further cementing his legacy as a versatile long-distance runner. He formally retired in the summer of 1978, drawing the curtain on a long, illustrious, and impactful career in athletics.

Recognitions, Rankings, and Unconventional Tactics

Ian Stewart's standing in the athletics world was widely acknowledged. The authoritative American publication, Track and Field News, which provides comprehensive rankings of athletes globally, ranked him as the world's No. 1 over 5000m in 1970. He also featured prominently in their rankings in other years: third in 1969 and 1972, fifth in 1975, and tenth in 1976, consistently placing him among the world's elite.

Beyond his raw talent, Stewart was known for his innovative and sometimes unorthodox race strategies. He occasionally employed a tactic of "kicking" or launching a decisive surge far earlier in the race, often at the midpoint, rather than waiting for the traditional last lap sprint. This unexpected move frequently left his rivals confused and unsure how to respond, allowing Stewart to gain a significant advantage and often secure victories through tactical brilliance rather than just sheer speed at the finish.

Career Statistics: British Records and Personal Bests

Throughout his career, Ian Stewart established several notable British records and personal bests, solidifying his place in the record books:

• British Records:
  • 1,500 metres: 3:39.12 (1969)
  • 2,000 metres: 5:02.98 (1975)
  • 2 miles: 8:22.0 (1972)
• Other Personal Bests:
  • Mile: 3:57.3 (1969)
  • 10,000 metres: 27:43.03 (1977)

A Family of Champions: The Stewart Athletic Dynasty

Ian Stewart was part of a remarkable sporting family; he was one of six children, and an astonishing three of them achieved the rare feat of winning European Indoor titles. This highlights a truly exceptional athletic lineage:

• Peter Stewart: Born August 8, 1947, Ian's elder brother, was the 3000m champion at the European Indoor Championships in Sofia in 1971. He also held the British record for the mile with a time of 3 minutes 55.3 seconds in 1972.
• Mary Stewart: Born February 25, 1956, Ian's sister, won the 1500m title at the European Indoor Championships in San Sebastian in 1977. She subsequently became the Commonwealth Games champion in 1978 in Edmonton, further cementing the family's incredible legacy in middle-distance running.

Post-Athletic Career and Continued Dedication to Sport

Following his retirement from competitive running, Ian Stewart continued to dedicate his life to athletics. Awarded the MBE in 1979 for his services, he transitioned into roles that promoted and nurtured distance running, initially through coaching and various promotional activities. In 1994, he succeeded Andy Norman as the promotions officer for British Athletics, taking on a significant administrative role in the sport. Stewart's commitment to British athletics continued to grow, culminating in his position as the Head of Endurance for UK Athletics (UKA), a crucial role in developing the nation's elite distance runners, which he held until February 2013. His post-career contributions underscore his lifelong passion and influence within the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ian Stewart MBE

When was Ian Stewart MBE born?

Ian Stewart MBE was born on January 15, 1949.

What major Olympic medal did Ian Stewart win?

Ian Stewart won the bronze medal in the Men's 5000 metres at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich.

Which iconic race is Ian Stewart most remembered for at the Commonwealth Games?

He is highly remembered for his victory in the 5000 metres at the 1970 Commonwealth Games, where he defeated legends like Ron Clarke and Kip Keino in a race widely considered one of the greatest of all time.

What distinguished Ian Stewart's running style or tactics?

Stewart was known for his unorthodox strategy of "kicking" or breaking away from the field far earlier in the race, often at the midpoint, rather than saving his surge for the final lap, which frequently disoriented his competitors.

Is Ian Stewart still the last British male to win the World Cross Country title?

Yes, Ian Stewart's victory in the 1975 IAAF World Cross Country Championships makes him Britain's last male winner of that prestigious global title to date.

Are other members of Ian Stewart's family also notable athletes?

Yes, his siblings Peter Stewart and Mary Stewart also achieved significant success in athletics, both winning European Indoor titles, making the Stewart family a notable athletic dynasty.