Tom Wood a leader in Welsh Athletics for over 70 years, died on 21 January 2014 aged 88
It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Tom Wood, a Life Vice President, former Army Champion and a member of Newport Harriers Welsh cross-country winning team on 14 occasions. He represented Wales in the International Cross-Country on six occasions before it became the IAAF World Championships. He finished 18th in front of his home crowd at the 1958 Empire & Commonwealth Games in Cardiff despite still suffering the effects of a car crash some weeks before. There is an iconic photo of him leading the field out of the stadium ahead of the eventual winner Dave Power of Australia. He held the British M50 1500 record (4.31.2) and 5000m (16.18sec) and was 4th in the IGAL World Veterans marathon in Coventry in 1976 running 2.48 days short of his 52nd birthday.
Born 24 October 1925, a stalwart of athletics of all ages in Wales for over 70 years; their International President and Welsh Cross-Country Association Treasurer. He brought Masters athletics to the Principality, promoting some BMAF Championships there and expanding membership. He helped to design the IAAF World Cross-Country Championships when it was held in Chepstow in 1976. Our sincere condolences to his wife and family. We will miss him. His funeral is at noon on Thursday 6 February at Croesyceiliog Crematorium, Cwmbran.