George Gandy, the prolific endurance running coach who helped shape the careers of many Loughborough College staff and students, has died following a heart attack at the age of 80.
George worked for several decades at Loughborough University where he was well known by many of our current and past staff members who either worked with him or were coached by him over the years.
George’s proteges at the College include Matt O’Dowd - 2004 Olympic marathon runner; Helen van Aardt (nee Titterington) - World Student Games bronze medallist; Chris McGeorge – Commonwealth Games Bronze medallist; Spencer Newport – Team GB athlete; Ian Grime – Team GB athlete and several former and current students including Rory Leonard, a national junior cross-country champion.
He is best known for working with Seb Coe but has developed some of the world’s top athletes in a career which spanned 10 Olympics, 11 World University Games and five Commonwealth Games. He was also national endurance coach from 1992-98 and 2009-13.
In distance running and student athletics circles, he was nothing short of a legend.
Jo Maher, Principal and CEO, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear about George’s unexpected passing and our thoughts go out to his family.
“I know there are many staff members who knew George well, through work or coaching, and he had a profound impact on their lives and careers.
“George has been synonymous with athletics in Loughborough since 1971 and it was his infamous circuit training sessions that helped create the kind of speed and strength that propelled Seb Coe to three world records in 41 days in 1979.
“We are sending our sincerest condolences to George’s family at this time.”
George passed away on Thursday, 8th October 2020, after suffering a heart attack following minor surgery.
As well as mentoring and training Lord Coe, George also coached Jack Buckner to the European 5000m title in 1986 and Jon Brown to fourth place in two successive Olympic marathons in 2000 and 2004.
George played a key role in building Loughborough’s reputation for athletics which is now widely regarded as among the best in the world.
Although not directly coaching them, he also supported and advised Olympic legends Dave Moorcroft, Steve Backley and Paula Radcliffe, among others.