19 January 2014

Former British athlete Sir Chris Chataway has died at the age of 82 following a long battle with cancer.

Chataway, who broke the 5,000m world record in 1954, helped pace Sir Roger Bannister to breaking the four-minute mile barrier.

He was named the first-ever BBC Sports Personality of the year in 1954

British Athletics Chief Executive Niels de Vos said:

"Chris has been part of some iconic moments in British Athletics history, both in terms of his own performance and the part he played in the first four minute mile.

"We’re saddened to hear of his passing but feel proud as a sport to have his achievements as part of our history.

"In addition he played a key role in supporting UK Athletics when it was established in the late 1990’s and became a valued trustee of the Athletics Foundation. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends."

Chataway is survived by his sons Mark, Matthew, Adam, Charles, Ben, his daughter Joanna, his wife Carola and his former wife Anna.