Alan Sayers

Who is Alan Sayers?

Alan John Sayers, MNZM is a former New Zealand track and field athlete who competed at the 1938 British Empire Games where he won the bronze medal as part of the men's 4 x 440 yards relay team. He also competed in the 220 and 440 yards sprinting events where he placed 5th in heat 4 of the 220 yards and 3rd in heat 3 of the 440 yards.

He worked for the Auckland Star and the Auckland Herald. He was the first journalist in New Zealand to receive a byline and was New Zealand's naval intelligence officer in World War II, reporting on enemy activity in the South Pacific.

In 2003 Sayers was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the Queen's Birthday honours for services to sport and journalism.

In August 2011 he released Fred The Needle: The Untold Story co-authored with Les Wilson, the official biography of the oldest living All Blacks coach and captain, Fred Allen, undefeated throughout his career. The book reached the top 3 in New Zealand for the week beginning 29 August 2011.