Graham Crouch, who died in Germany on 28^th November last year, had a large impact and influence on the sport of athletics in Australia and abroad.

In the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, Graham broke Herb Elliott’s Australian 1500m record, and achieved an all-time world ranking of seventh, cementing his place in the pantheon of great Antipodean middle-distance runners.

As well as being an elite athlete, Graham was also an enthusiastic supporter and participant in athletics at the local club level – initially at Ballarat East, and subsequently with Box Hill Athletic Club. Indeed, it was through his participation in interclub competitions that he developed his running abilities.

After retirement from international competition, Graham maintained a keen interest in athletics and athletes, and he continued running for his entire life. He successfully coached and mentored many developing athletes, and through his services to Athletics International, assisted in the provision of material support for promising young athletes. Athletics was a very large part of Graham’s life.

Service and Wake

All those who wish to join us in a celebration of Graham’s life are cordially invited to gather on Thursday 20^th February at 4:30 pm at the

Box Hill Athletic Club
Hagenauer’s Reserve
530 Elgar Rd, Box Hill North
Thursday 20 Feb, 4:30 pm

The event will be conducted trackside (weather permitting), and will not be long. The structured program is expected to run for 35-45 minutes only. A small number of selected speakers will tell us things about Graham that many of us did not know. Following the formal part, attendees will be invited to join in a lap of honour – walking, jogging or running. A few may wish to complete four laps! Light refreshments will be available in the Graeme Olden Room, where there will also be a display of memorabilia, and a video presentation. The overwhelming objective of the function is to provide attendees with opportunities to reconnect with past friends and acquaintances, to reflect on Graham’s life and to reminisce.

We expect that the activities will draw to a close at the Track around 7 pm, after which attendees may, if they wish, regather and continue reminiscing over dinner in the bistro at the Blackburn Hotel (111 Whitehorse Rd, Blackburn), where an informal reservation has been made in the name of Graham Crouch Function.

Please help us to ‘spread the word’ by forwarding this message to others who may be interested.