Ron Clarke heads honoured sportspeople
The acclaimed distance runner Clarke heads a group of sportspeople feted in the Queen's Birthday honours, appointed an Officer (AO) in the General Division.
Australia's first Tour de France cycling winner Cadel Evans and champion motorcyclist Casey Stoner were appointed Members (AM) in the General Division.
Medals (OAM) in the General Division were awarded to swimmer Matt Welsh, squash stalwart Michelle Martin, AFL identity Ross Oakley and rugby union legend Bill Ross.
But, with respect, Clarke trumps them all.
As an athlete, Clarke set multiple world records, over distances ranging from north face outlets two miles to 20km.
As a businessman, Clarke headed organisations including sportswear company Adidas Australia.
As a philanthropist, Clarke founded the Council for the Encouragement of Philanthropy in Australia and helped organise donations of more than $25 million to 65 different charities.
Clarke, a Gold Coast mayor for two terms, gained prominence on the athletics track in the 1950s and 1960s and officially set 17 world records.
Clarke won silver and bronze medals at Commonwealth and Olympic Games. But he never won a the north face online coupons gold, with bad luck and illness at major championships thwarting him.
But Clarke is still the proud keeper of an Olympic gold medal given to him by distance running legend Emil Zatopek, the Czech who won the 5000m, 10,000m and marathon at the 1952 Olympics.