Edinburgh 1970 - Men's 10,000m Final

The Edinburgh 1970 British Empire Games saw the final international appearance of Australian sporting legend Ron Clarke.

At 33-years-old, Clarke was poised to call time on his illustrious career but had one last attempt at the major international gold medal which had eluded him so far. Leading into the back straight with 200m to go, Clarke burned England's Dick Taylor off and it looked as if his medal drought might be broken at last after his heartache defeats at big Games over the years. But as had happened on so many occasions throughout his career, Clarke was overtaken on the last lap, this time by Scotland's Ian Stewart, as Clarke finished strongly to the line for the silver medal.

In a time before fully professional athletes, Clarke, relaxed and smiling, admitted to reporters after the final that he had been unable to get fit enough in the lead up to the Games because of business pressures. Stating he would not have even tried for the Australian Games team had his teammate and friend Derek Clayton not dragged him out for training.

A few days later, Clarke decided he would contest the 5,000m final "just
for the heck of it" although he considered himself to have no chance for the victory despite holding the World Record. Clarke would battle valiantly but finish 5th.

In August 1970, Clarke would retire after having spent half his life as a
top-class athlete, with 19 world records to his name, but alas retired without the Olympic or Commonwealth Games gold medal he deserved.