Ronnie Delany

Ronnie Delany’s first achievement of note was a place in the final of the 800 metres event at the 1954 European Championships, where he placed last. In 1956 Delany became the seventh runner to join the 4-minute mile club, but still had trouble making that year's Irish Olympic team. At the Olympics Delany was not considered a favorite in the 1,500, the biggest favorite being Australian John Landy, but, in the 1,500 final, Delany kept close to Landy until the final lap, when he started a crushing final sprint, winning the race in an Olympic record. At the 1958 European Championships Delany won bronze in the 1,500 and also competed at the 1960 Olympics in the 800. He also won the 800 m gold at the 1961 World University Games. Delany won four Irish national titles and, as a Villanova University student, won the NCAA 1,500 m titles from 1956-58 and the 800 metre title in 1958. After finishing his sporting career Delany first worked with Aer Lingus in America. Following this, for almost 20 years, he was Assistant Chief Executive of B&I Line with specific responsibility for marketing and operations of the Irish Ferry Company based in Dublin. In 1998 he established his own highly successful Marketing / Sports Consultancy Business.

Personal Bests: 800 – 1:47.1y (1961); 1500 – 3:41.49 (1956).