Bill Gentleman

Bill competed in the throws from senior British League to V80 masters champs for EAC, City Of Edinburgh and again EAC. Winning medals at Scottish and British vets’ champs and 3 times World Masters champion in the hammer and weight throw.

He is still an active official at local, national and schools events and indeed he was timekeeper at all the 23 Portobello New Year Day 4 mile road races that the Jackson family organised.  In fact he attended and officiated at all 33 Promathons and was proud of that. He officiated at endurance events and at track meets.

As a coach and teacher, he coached endurance at highest international level with Yvonne Murray down to primary and secondary schools whether curriculum or afterschool. In the beginning Yvonne was guided by Bill  to some very good times and won some big medals at National and European stage. He embraced new fun athletics events for primary and secondary as well as helping PE staff teach traditional track and field skills. Bill delighted in demonstrating at school outdoor events the heavy hammer throw and its oomph as it flew into the turf!

Bill often used his strength and conditioning to raise money at charitable events and his skills were well utilised in chorus and dance with Opera Camerata.

Bill was awarded Honorary Life Membership of Edinburgh AC in 2024