Tributes paid to Island resident and Olympic Silver medallist, Maurice Herriott

"A remarkable athlete, and a big part of our community."

Tributes are being paid to an Island resident and Olympic Silver medallist, Maurice Herriott who died this week (Monday, 24 August). 

Maurice, who won silver in the 3000m steeplechase at the 1964 Tokyo Games, passed away at the age of 86. 

He moved to Port Erin in the early 1970s following his retirement from athletics. 

The former athlete also spent time as a coach at Rushen United FC. 

The club posted on Facebook: "He was the quiet, tough, no‑nonsense man who put generations of Rushen players through their paces.

"He spent years helping with fitness work for our senior teams, and anyone who trained under him will remember exactly what that meant. 

"Maurice didn’t believe in shortcuts. He sent lads up pretty much every hill in Port Erin, usually more than once, and expected you to get on with it. 

"Those sessions were hard, but they made players fitter, sharper, and mentally stronger.

"Maurice never made a fuss about who he was or what he’d achieved. He just turned up, did the work, and made everyone around him better. 

"His impact at the club will be fondly remembered for a long time.

"A remarkable athlete, and a big part of our community.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends."

Meanwhile, Dave Griffiths posted on his manxathletics.com Facebook page: "was very sad to learn of the recent death of Maurice Herriott, Olympic silver medallist and a long-time resident of the Isle of Man.

"Maurice made a lasting contribution to athletics, and over the years he helped, encouraged and inspired so many local athletes."