Athletics
loses a great manager: Kim Mcdonald dies
unexpectedly in Australia
IAAF
Release
10 November 2001 – Monte Carlo – One of
the best-known managers in athletics,
Kim McDonald died suddenly on Wednesday
in Brisbane, Australia, where he was
holidaying alone.
McDonald’s body was discovered earlier today by his housekeeper in his Brisbane apartment. News of his death was only released last night.
Born in Yorkshire, England on 27 September, 1956, Kim McDonald was a competent athlete in his own day, though outshone by his more famous contemporaries Steve Ovett and Sebastian Coe. He later turned to coaching, numbering among his many protégés Peter Elliott, the last great British middle distance runner.
Turning in recent years to management, McDonald fostered the careers of many leading international athletes, including the great Moses Kiptanui (KEN), Sonia O’Sullivan (IRL), Noah Ngeny (KEN), and Bob Kennedy (USA). McDonald specialised notably in the promotion of athletes from East Africa.
Learning of McDonald’s, IAAF President Lamine Diack, who had recently nominated Kim as his special adviser, said: “This is tragic news, particularly because of the sudden nature of Kim’s death.
“I remember Kim as a young man full of life and enthusiasm. We had been friends for many years and I greatly appreciated the seriousness, honesty and passion he demonstrated as we worked together on the development of athletics in Africa.
“I am sure that the world athletics family, but especially the many athletes whose careers Kim followed with professionalism and true affection, feel with me the tragic loss of this great manager.”
ENDS