Former British Olympic 800m champion and multiple world record holder Steve Ovett has responded to a request to support "an old mate and very special friend" at the Queen Street Golden Mile in Auckland on Easter Monday.
The 57-year-old, who during an international career spanning more than 15 years broke world records for the 1500m, one mile and two miles, will do some speaking and media engagements during his time in Auckland and will also assist with TV commentary of the elite men's and women's miles on April 1.
Ovett moved to Australia 10 years ago and spends much of his time as a track and field consultant, commentator and guest speaker. He turned down the offer of work in Europe to help Sir John Walker, who has reprised the AUT Queen Street Golden Mile after a 30-year absence.
There will be about 16 races spread over four hours, culminating in an elite men's and women's mile.
During the 1970s, Ovett, fellow English middle distance ace Lord Sebastian Coe and Walker dominated middle distance running, grabbing a host of world records and Olympic titles.
