Chris Maddocks (Law & Sociology, 1986)

Exeter alumnus and five-time Olympian volunteers for Hospicare Men’s Walk

Exeter alumnus, Chris Maddocks (Law & Sociology, 1986), is a retired race walker and Olympian and will be giving up his time this March to help at Hospicare’s annual Men’s Walk.

Chris is the only man in British athletics to get chosen to represent Britain in the Olympic Games five times. He competed in Los Angeles 1984, Seoul 1988, Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996 and finally Sydney 2000. This year however he will be supporting the local community with the annual Men’s Walk.

Chris commented on this “I don’t put myself above anyone else just because I’m an Olympian.  I am really happy to be helping on the day and will do whatever is required in a volunteering capacity.  I know people in our community who have been supported by Hospicare and it’s a very worthy cause.

Despite now being retired, Chris still holds the impressive UK All-Corners record of 45:26 for seven miles on the road, which was recorded in 1986.  He also holds the British record of 3:51.37 for 50km, which was set over 27 years ago and is one of the oldest records still standing.

Chris’s career in race walking has enabled him to travel the world and meet various important figure such as Muhammad Ali, the Queen and other royals and famous sports people.

Chris will be on hand at this year’s Men’s Walk giving advice to participants and cheering everyone on. If you want to volunteering or to take part, go to the Hospicare website for further details.

Date: 6 February 2018