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Brian Hewson




BRIAN HEWSON: PROFILE

1933 - 2022 

 

  This highly talented English runner emerged in the early 1950s as a world-class 880-Mile runner. Throughout his running career, which ended in 1960, he worked full-time. Nevertheless, he won 17 national titles, a European title and two silver Empire Games medals. He was also one the earliest four-minute milers. Beyond his undeniable athletic gifts, Hewson showed an early maturity that enabled him to dedicate  himself to running while developing a career in tailoring. 

 

The highlight of Hewson's career: Victory in the 1958 European
1,500. Waern was second and Delany third.

Early Days

Hewson discovered running in an unusual way. While attending Mitcham Grammar School he had to eat lunch at another school half a mile away. He and a friend would race over there to be first in the queue.  Thus he claimed he ran five half-mile races each week! He also ran “quite successfully” over 440 in school, winning a local schools event that led to a scholarship with Mitcham Athletic Club. Working with Frank Drew, his first coach, he won the Surrey Schools 440 at 14. His idol for many years was Arthur Wint, and this was partly why he moved up to the 880 in 1948.

 

Leaving school at 16, he went straight to the Polytechnic to learn tailoring. In his last year as a Youth he ran the 880 in 1:59.4. Drew wanted him to train only three days a week, but he often did five without telling his coach. He earned the AAA Junior 880 title in his first Junior year with a 1:55.3.

 

Army Life

A big change in his life came when he was called up for National Service in December 1952.  For practical reasons, he signed on for an extra year. By doing this he got into a regiment that favored athletics and was placed on permanent staff. This meant he could still live at home. He was also lucky to meet up with 880-runner Mike Rawson and to get special leave to accommodate extended training sessions. Thus he was able to continue to improve in 1953. After winning the Army 880, he became British champion just three months past his 20th birthday when he won the AAA 880 in 1:54.2.  After this race, national coach Geoff Dyson told him he had the  potential to run 1:49. That same year, in his first international against France, he was second behind Bannister in 1:51.9.

 

Hewson won the AAA 880 again the next year with 1:52.2. But in the Empire Games 880 he was up against the talented Derek Johnson, who was expected to beat him. His relative experience in big meets caused him to get boxed in on the second lap and to lose contact with Johnson. But Hewson gained back a lot of ground down the home straight and was only 0.7 behind Johnson at the tape with a 1:51.2. The silver medal was his. In the European Championships he ran 1:50.2 in his heat but ran two seconds slower in the semi and was eliminated. Still, he was now an established 880 runner of international class.

 

Four-Minute Mile

He had a major setback in April of 1955 when his longtime coach Frank Drew died. However, he was introduced to Austrian-born coach Franz Stampfl and soon joined him to train with Chris Chataway. At this time, Hewson decided to move up to the Mile. That summer he and Chataway both broke the  4-minute mile barrier in a famous race with Hungarian Laszlo Tabori. In this race, Alan Gordon helped them with the pace, running 59.9 and 2:00.8.  When Gordon weakened  at 1000, Hewson was second; he hesitated and then moved in to lead to reach the bell in 3:02.  Hewson went for it at this  point, with Chataway and Tabori in tow. Chataway tried to take the lead into the last bend, but Hewson held him off. In the straight Tabori “went by like a rocket” to victory. (Flying Feet,  p.62) And Chataway just got by Hewson to take second. Both Englishmen were timed at 3:59.8. It was the first time three runners had broken four minutes in the same race. Later in the season Hewson broke the British 880 record against Hungary with 1:48.6.

 

By 1956 his three-year army duty was over, and he went to work at Simpson’s Piccadilly. He lost several races in the early season—not intending to be in top form with the Olympics in Australia at the very end of the year. Training harder than ever, he began to peak in September, running 1:47.5 for 800, 2:19.9 for 1,000 and 3:43.2 for 1,500. With the blessing of his new employers, he went to Australia seven weeks early to train under Stampfl. 

 

Hewson leads the Olympic 1,500 field into the final straight. 

Melbourne Olympics

After some excellent training and a promising race over 880 in Australia, Hewson was full of confidence:  “I really had every hope that the gold medal would come to me,” he wrote later. ( FF, p.83) He made the 1500 final comfortably. Following his pre-race plan for the final, he stayed near the front and went into lead at the bell. But he didn’t manage to jump the field: “My opening gambit on that all-important last lap had failed and I was at their mercy.” (FF, p.85) His only option now was to run as hard as he could over the last lap and hope that he could outlast the field.  But the field kept close on his heels. Nevertheless, he was still leading round the last bend. Then Richtzenhain of Germany past him, after which “the whole field seemed to stream past me, one after another.” (FF, p.85) Actually only four runners passed him, Tabori doing so on the finish line.  Hewson was “utterly disappointed.”  He wrote in his book, “A disappointment of this magnitude comes only when you think you are capable of everything…and gain nothing. It is not a disappointment that can be felt by those who are only hopeful.” (FF, p.86)

 

His Best Year

He had a quiet year in 1957, but did run 3:42.6. The next year, however, was to be his best. He decided to turn his focus back to the 880. He started well with a win over the new Aussie star Herb Elliott (1:47.8). This augured well for the Empire Games 880, where he would again meet Elliott:  “I thought I was a cert for the gold medal.” (FF, p.89) The final was unusually slow, with a first lap of 58.8. At the bell Elliott jumped the field and opened a five-yard lead.  Hewson went after him and caught him before last bend. But the stronger Elliott held on right to the tape. Elliott ran 50.5 for the second lap, while Hewson did 49.9. “The defeat absolutely shattered me,”  he recalled. (FF, 90) Still stunned by this defeat, Hewson ran badly in the Empire Games Mile to finish only eighth. 

A big victory over Herb Elliott before the
1958 Empire Games. Hewson wears
an S for Stampfl, and while Elliott's C
was thought by many to stand for
Cerutty, he is in fact wearing his Cunliff
club vest. 

Since he was focusing now on the 880 and had disappointed over the Mile in the Empire Games, it was a surprise to everyone, including himself, that he was selected only for the 1500 at the European Championships. “I was hopping mad when I first heard the news,” he wrote. (FF, p.91) Nevertheless, that decision turned out to be the right one. He ran a “ridiculously easy” (FF, p.95) 3:41.1 in his heat. This gave him the confidence he needed. He stayed out of trouble at the rear in the final and was sixth at the bell. Then he waited till the back straight to move up to the leaders. Unfortunately, he was bumped by Delany who took lead going into the last bend. Coming into the straight Hewson was still only seventh. Then he found a miraculous burst of speed and passed everyone, catching Delany in the middle of the final straight. He was in the lead for only the last 5m, his last lap taking only 55.5.  Brian Hewson was European champion. "My kick was so fast and so furious that after a few paces I was in the fourth lane. I was really up on my toes and everyone was coming back pretty fast.... It was a wonderful feeling," he told Alastair Aitken many years later. (Athletics Weekly, Jan. 14, 1984)

 

Clearly in his best form, Hewson next took on the daunting task of racing a Mile against the new world-record-holder, Herb Elliott. All he could do was to hang on to the Australian as long as possible, for Elliott was over five seconds faster on paper: 3:54.5 to 3:59.8.  And he was still with Elliott at the bell (2:59.6). But he had no answer to the surges that began soon into the last lap. These surges took Elliott into a 15-yard lead with 200 to go. 1. Elliott 3:55.4; 2. Hewson 3:58.9. This race confirmed Hewson’s belief that his best chance in the Rome Olympics was over 800: “I knew that as long as Elliott was on the scene I would be wise to concentrate on the shorter distance…. Elliott had the strength and power for the longer distance that I had always lacked.”  (FF, p. 99)

 

Two weeks later, Hewson did his bit for England in a two-day match against France, winning the 1,500 in 3:41.5 and the 800 in 1:47.0. In the first race he left a young Michel Jazy back in third place; in the second race he had a huge battle with European 800 champion Mike Rawson, both finishing in the same time and both establishing PBs of 1:47.0, which ranked them sixth in the world for 1958.

 

Build-up to Rome

This late-season, tight 800 race was a foreshadowing of what was to come in 1959, for the slightly younger Mike Rawson was continually challenging Hewson for the position of England’s #1 over 880. The 1959 AAA 880 was typical of their many encounters; Hewson always just beat Rawson: 1. Hewson 1:52.0; 2. Rawson 1:52.3. Against East Germany, Poland, Russian, Finland and Stockholm, Hewson always headed his rival by fractions of a second. The two made a daunting pair in the frequent two-per-event international matches that were held back then; the pair were unbeaten in 1959. But perhaps the highlight of Hewson’s season was a double victory in Moscow (3:47.2 and 1:49.6). Only very late in the season did he lose twice to Lewandowski of Poland. He was now widely regarded as a favorite for the 800 in the Rome Olympics.

 

Alas, his Rome experience was to prove a nightmare. Not only did he struggle with an injury in the weeks before the Games, but he was also denied the chance to adapt to the August heat in Rome. His season began well enough with low-key races. But in July he damaged a calf while racing on a bumpy track in Bournemouth. He had just six weeks before the Olympics to recover. Despite the best treatment he could get, the calf kept breaking down. The selectors, concerned about his fitness, insisted he run an 800 to show publicly that he was fit enough for Rome. He managed to get through with a  third place 1:50.1 and was on his way to Rome.

 

But he arrived only four days before his first race and like many of his British team-mates was unable to adapt to the stifling August heat in Rome. He led for 700m in his qualifying heat before being passed by three runners: “As we came into the final straight the leg gave way completely. It had started knotting up after 300 yards.” (FF, p. 22) His fourth place meant he had been eliminated.

 

His career was now over. He had wanted to “go out with a bang.” We can only surmise how he would have coped with Snell’s late rush in the final—had he been 100% fit. Nevertheless, Hewson could look back on one of the most successful careers in British athletics. For much of the 1950s he had been one of the best British half-milers, his best 880 performances being silver medals in the 1954 and 1958 Empire Games. He had also been world-class in the 1,500 and Mile. He had led the 1956 Olympic final into the final straight, ultimately finishing fifth and had finally won a major title in the 1958 European 1,500 final. Further he was the fifth person ever to run a four-minute Mile.

 

 

Training

After taking off October, Hewson would start preparation with four and then five weekly interval sessions on the track. The interval ranged between 220 and 1320 yards. The number of repetitions varied from 15 for 220 reps to five for 880 reps and three for 1320 reps. Once a week, he would run 6-7 miles easy on grass. His training was not unlike Bannister’s—not surprising since he was coached by Stampfl after 1954.    

 

Book

Hewson published his book in 1962, Flying Feet.  It is a well-written book that gives a lot of insight into his competitive successes. A focus on running is maintained, and although there is some anecdotal and travel material, it is kept well under control. There are some good insights into other leading runners of his day.  Hewson also includes some harsh criticism of the way British athletics was run. Overall, the is one of the better runners’ autobiographies.      


22 Comments

GH Massiha 28th December 2023

He passed away in 13 September 2022.

Fred Holland 24th January 2022

While I now live in Auckland New Zealand, Brian were friends and fellow athletes in the early days. He is in fact one month older than me. Should he see this message, I would be delighted if he could somehow make contact please. For old times sake Fred

Yvette Carruthers 23rd October 2019

Hi to Brian Hewson My father Edgar (Eddie) also a tailor and an athelete was great friends with Brian from the '50's onwards I remember meeting Brian on a few occasions when accompanying my father to Simpsons and other tailoring firms in the West End My father kept his link with Brian for many years but sadly passed away in September 2005 He was a great admirer of Brian's atheletic prowess and considered him a good friend I hope Brian reads this and may remember a little girl who was over-awed to meet him My mother sadly is now in a Care Home at the age of 95 but she has fond memories of Brian too PS My sisters Denise and Martina still have the teddy bears that he gave to them and treasure them God bless you Brian - for happy memories of those days! Best Wishes Yvette x

Barrie Savory 13th January 2019

Brian was my early hero. A 15 year middle distance nut. in 1954 I got his autograph at Chiswick Poly. Next was 1958 at Middx Jun. champs when he was supporting my arch rival, Roger Givan, whom I just beat on the line to win the 880. Incidentally Roger had the previous year run 1.54.7 as a youth! Well ahead of Brians 1.59.4. Later that year I won the AAA Junior 880 in 1.55.2 just breaking Brians 7 year championship record. One thing led to another and Brian, Derek Johnson, Roger and I founded The White City Strollers! We would meet a couple of times year for dinner and each year invite a new member.This led to David (the sprint) Jones, John Salisbury, Adrian Metcalfe, Alf Meakin, Neil Allen ( The Times Athletic correspondent). \r\nThough Roger and I still meet 3 or 4 times year Brian is living mainly in South Africa and we only meet occasionally. Jon Arch\'s overheard Pub conversation was with me reminiscing with Brian, as I live in Denham Village.\r\nRoger and I should have become the late fifties Brian and Derek. Unfortunately neither of us progressed I succumbed to a bad bout of Glandular fever and Roger was injured. A great disappointment.\r\nA trip down memory lane that I hope will trigger some more response. I still love the sport dearly.

John Godfrey 10th August 2018

I was in the Sutton AC,(which was Mitcham AC before)committee,and often went out with Brian socially,He was our President,He said when in the lead of the Olympic final,he went to put in his great kick,and like a car,there was nothing there,the carburettor wasn't working,A lovely man,please pass on my best wishes

Richard Patrick 21st May 2018

I was on the permanent staff at the Royal Artillery Clerk School in 1955 with Brian\r\nHewson, and was at the White City when he finished 3rd in race won by Tabori.\r\nAlso during train strike, took him in my car to a race at Sunderland.\r\nA lovely man. Where is he now ?

Peter Grundy 28th January 2018

I remember the controversy about leaving Brian Hewson out of the 1958 European 800 and putting him in the 1500. To this day I think it was the GB selectors greatest masterstroke as Mike Rawson won the 800 after initially being disquaified. I was only 10, but recall Herb Elliott assisting the commentator on the radio for that 1500 race.I also remember Mike in the middle of varous stadiums as an official.The Rawson-Hewson rivalry was great and both were exceptional athleted.

Nick Rawson 4th June 2016

Hi What an interesting site. I would be happy to help put together a profile of my late Dad Mike Rawson. He passed away in 2000 and his grandson who never met him has taken an interest in his career. If you want any help in doing this please email me BR Nick

Rick Joshua 14th December 2015

What a lovely site this is. While my interest in track and field started in the early 1980s with Coe vs Ovett, there's nothing like reading some wonderfully-written history. Oddly, I noted the comment by a certain George Herringshaw, a well-documented money-grubber who gave me no little grief over a couple of thumbnail-sized images a few years back. What a wonderful fellow he is.

Marg Woodlock McLean 9th December 2015

Iknew Brian Hewson in 1956 as I was a member of the Australian 1956 Olympic Team. Like Brian I was coached by Franz Stampfl. We last spoke to Brian 3 years ago when he was living in South Africa. I would like to get in touch with him again now as we are making a documentary on the life of Franz Stampfl. Could you please pass on my email address to him -I would love to hear from him again. Marg Woodlock 1956 Olympian

Roy Hempstead 11th November 2015

I was at Mitcham Grammar School at the same time as Brian Hewson and saw for myself the meticulous way he prepared for a race even then.No wonder he went on to become a world class athlete.

Don Brooks 29th September 2015

I trained at Mitcham alongside Brian. What a wonderful runner. Unfortunately Frank Drew could do nothing with me. But I was always in awe of Brian.

George Bannerman 2nd August 2015

Superb site. Delighted that I stumbled across it. I saw Hewson, Chataway and Tabori break the four minute barrier and believe that Tabori's compatriot, Iharos, made that race the first time that four runners had broken the barrier together. Confirmation,, or otherwise would be welcome.

Stu Cooper 23rd February 2015

Re the photo above: Elliott's vest is in fact the singlet of his Melbourne club, Coburg Harriers. Elliott's mile and 1500m times still stand as club records at Coburg. Seems we no longer see athletes wearing their club vests internationally any more - these days it's more likely to be a clothing sponsor.

J Azzopardi 10th February 2015

Hewson did compete in the Rome Olympics; he was eliminated in his heat in the 800m.

JohnMD1022 10th January 2015

"A big victory over Herb Elliott before the 1958 Empire Games. Hewson wears an S for Stampfl, while Elliott wears a C for Cerutty." Hewson's "S" may have stood for Stampfl (who knows?) but Elliott's "C" was for his club, the Cunliff Harriers. See: THE GOLDEN MILE The Herb Elliott Story as told to Alan Trengove With a foreword by Percy Cerutty. 1961

John Pettitt 9th June 2014

Not my favourite person!Having won the Army 880yds final in 1955 he elected to run the mile in the inter-services championships thus depriving me of an Army vest.

Jon Arch 4th January 2014

Saw him in a pub in Denham Village recently and overheard conversation about his running feats, but by the time I had worked out who he was he had gone. Pity.

John Hames 6th May 2013

The top photo shows Brian winning the European 1500 metres, not the 800m. He was *good*. But for injury, he would have given Herb Elliott a run for his money in Rome.

John Hames 6th May 2013

By the way, nice to see G. Herringshaw exhibiting the true spirit of sport. Not :-(

George Herringshaw 4th April 2013

Remove ALL of the photos copied illegally from my web site or accept the consequences. £55.00 each PER ANNUM.

Ron Hoeflinger 12th August 2012

Great site! I love reading about the British runners of the 50s. When I was running in the mid 60s, I read Flying Feet and I've wanted to read it again. But I couldn't remember the title or the author. Thanks for the help and the walk down memory lane.

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