Legendary athletics coach Arch Jelley dies aged 104

Legendary athletics coach Albert Archibald Jelley has died on Saturday morning at Bupa Glenburn, aged 104. He had spent several months in hospital prior to his death.

Jelley was best known for coaching Sir John Walker to a world mile record of 3:49.4 in Gothenburg in 1975, which was the first time a man ran under 3 minutes 50 seconds. He also guided Walker to a 1500m gold medal at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Their coaching partnership lasted until Walker retired from competitive running in 1992.

His coaching career spanned more than five decades and included guiding dozens of New Zealand's top middle-distance runners. Notable athletes coached by Jelley include Ian Studd, Neville Scott, Chrissie Pfitzinger, Robbie Johnston, Barbara Moore, and American miler Steve Scott. Even at age 93, he guided Hamish Carson to the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Born in Dunedin on 13 August 1922, Jelley served in the navy during World War II, including duty on the HMS Bermuda. He had a long career in education, serving as the principal of Sunnybrae Normal School in Auckland for over 20 years. He was awarded an OBE for services to sport and was a Life Member of Athletics New Zealand.

How it developed

• Sat 24 Oct, 2:05pmLater reports specified that Jelley's navy service included Russian Convoy duty aboard the HMS Bermuda and that he coached American miler Steve Scott to fifth in the 1988 Olympic 1500m final.

Where reports differ

• One report lists the Olympian as Chrissie Pfitzinger, while others list her as Christine Pfitzinger.

Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, Stuff, 1News, RNZ and Otago Daily Times.