'All because I did a bit of running'

Inspirational athletics legend Steve Jones is back in his hometown more than 40 years after running into the history books to be honoured for his extraordinary record-breaking achievements. He speaks to Rob Cole

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STEVE Jones was back where it all started yesterday in his home town of Ebbw Vale, reliving one of the most special moments of his life.

The former world marathon record holder has always worn Wales and Ebbw Vale on his sleeve and now one of Wales’ greatest athletes has been honoured with the unveiling of a statue representing him crossing the finishing line at the 1984 Chicago Marathon in the fastest time ever recorded.

Forty-one years ago Jones reached the final of the Olympic Games 10,000 metres and then became the first Welshman to hold an IAAF recognised world record with his winning time of 2 hours, 8 minutes, 5 seconds in Chicago.

In doing so, he left reigning world champion Rob de Costello and Olympic champion Carlos Lopes trailing in his wake.

‘A year later he went even faster in retaining his title, finishing in 2:07.13 - one second outside Lopes’ newly established world record of. He also won the London, New York and Toronto Marathons and finished second in Boston and Hokkaido.

‘The statue, the first dedicated to a single person in Ebbw Vale, was created by artist Tim Ward and is situated outside the entrance to the Ebbw Vale Leisure Centre.

Before an emotional unveiling by Jones himself, a poem written by his good friend Kelvin Smith, Because you are our Legend, was read out, local schoolchildren outlined his many achievements and the Beaufort Male Choir sang two numbers and ended proceedings with a rousing rendition of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.

“It's been an incredible day. When the statue project was first raised I wasn’t sure whether or not it would happen, but now I'm here standing beside it, it is almost surreal,” said Jones, who turned 70 earlier in the year.

“It’s always lovely to come home, but this time was extra special. I can't believe the people of Blaenau Gwent are doing this for me - and all because I did a bit of running.