Born in Glasgow in December 1933, McNab trained as a physical education teacher and enjoyed success as an athlete, winning five Scottish triple jump titles. However, it was through his coaching and leadership that he would make an enduring impact on athletics in the UK and beyond.

A pioneering coach, McNab played a significant role in shaping the modern landscape of British athletics. Following a visit to Poland with fellow coach Tony Ward in 1966, he helped develop the concept of the British Athletics League, which transformed domestic competition and athlete development across the country.

Passionate about nurturing young talent, McNab established a national junior decathlon programme and was instrumental in guiding a young Daley Thompson towards the combined events, helping lay the foundations for one of the country’s greatest Olympic champions. He later worked with numerous leading athletes, including Olympians Lorna Boothe MBE and Andrea Lynch MBE, also supporting Greg Rutherford during the early stages of his career.

McNab served as a British Olympic team coach at the Munich 1972 and Montreal 1976 Games and was widely recognised as one of the country’s foremost coaching minds. His expertise and willingness to mentor others inspired generations of athletes and coaches across the sport.

Away from the track, McNab his extensive knowledge of athletics led to his appointment as an Olympic historian for the International Olympic Committee from 1976. He also served as technical director and athletics consultant for the Oscar-winning film Chariots of Fire, helping train actors and ensure the authenticity of the sport’s portrayal on screen.

Beyond athletics, McNab worked with England Rugby, British Bobsleigh, Chelsea Football Club and several other elite sports, pioneering approaches to strength and conditioning long before they became commonplace.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe paid tribute, describing McNab as “one of the sport’s most loyal friends and a man of many talents – a world-class coach, a great writer, historian, and conscience for athletics.”

Our thoughts are with his wife Jenny, his family, friends and all those whose lives were touched by his wisdom and friendship. Tom McNab’s legacy within British athletics is immense and lasting. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.