Norman Read

Who was Norman Read?

Norman Richard Read was a New Zealand racewalker.

Born in England, Read emigrated to New Zealand in 1953. The self-proclaimed "Pommie-Kiwi" competed for New Zealand in the 1956 Summer Olympics held in Melbourne, Australia in the 50 kilometre walk where he won the gold medal. He was not originally selected, but went to Australia. Read won the Australian 50 km championship, and was then selected.

Read also competed at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, finishing fifth in the 20 kilometre walk but not finishing the 50 kilometre walk, and also at the 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Kingston, winning a Bronze medal in the 20 mile road walk.

Read died of a heart attack during a veteran's bike race in Pirongia, Waikato.