Derek Clarke (athlete)

Derek Stanley Clarke (1937-1997), is a male former athlete who competed for England.

Derek Clarke
Personal information
Nationality England
Born11 May 1937
Died7 June 1997 (aged 60)

Early life

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He grew up in Ipswich.

Career

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In 1962 he was a corporal technician in the RAF, working with guided missiles.[1] By July 1966 he was a sergeant.[2] He left the RAF in early 1968.[3][4]

Athletics career

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Clarke was selected by England to represent his country in Athletics events. He was a two times National champion.[5]

On Friday 24 July 1964 in Nottingham, he broke the UK record of George McLachlan by 68 points with 6252.[6]

He represented England in the decathlon, at the 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica.[7][8][9]

He also competed in the 1966 European Athletics Championships – Men's decathlon.

Personal life

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He lived on Welbeck Road, Radcliffe-on-Trent.[10] With wife Joyce, he had four children, including son Tim.[11]

He was a Methodist preacher.[12]

References

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  1. ^ Nottingham Evening Post Monday 13 August 1962, page 8
  2. ^ Nottingham Evening Post Monday 4 July 1966, page 10
  3. ^ Nottingham Evening Post Thursday 1 February 1968, page 11
  4. ^ Nottingham Evening Post Tuesday 19 July 1966, page 12
  5. ^ "AAA CHAMPIONSHIPS (MEN)". GBR Athletics.
  6. ^ Nottingham Evening Post Saturday 25 July 1964, page 12
  7. ^ "1966 Athletes". Team England.
  8. ^ "Kingston, Jamaica, 1966 Team". Team England.
  9. ^ "Athletes and results". Commonwealth Games Federation.
  10. ^ Newark Advertiser Saturday 27 May 1967, page 23
  11. ^ Nottingham Guardian Wednesday 7 December 1966, page 12
  12. ^ Newark Advertiser Wednesday 1 May 1963, page 1