Ian McCafferty

Who is Ian McCafferty?

Ian John McCafferty is a Scottish athlete. McCafferty won the silver medal at the Commonwealth 5,000 metres when he recorded a time of 13:23.34. This was one of the greatest races of all time. Reigning European 5,000 metres champion Ian Stewart set a new European record and the two Scots, moved up to second and third on the world all-time list. In the race McCafferty defeated the current world record holder Ron Clarke, and Olympic 1,500 metres champion Kip Keino. McCafferty also finished sixth in the Commonwealth 1,500 metres in a time of 3:42.2.

McCafferty was Scottish 5000 metre champion in 1971, and was also 3x1 mile Scottish champion. He also won the AAAs Indoor championships on 3 occasions for 2 miles/3000 metres. He won the Junior International Cross Country race in 1964. He represented Great Britain at the Munich Olympics. Competing over the 5000m, he finished in 11th place with a time of 13mins 43.2secs. He won his heat in a time of 13mins 38.2secs. McCafferty was also the first Scot to break the 4 minute mile.

McCafferty's personal bests: Mile 3:56.8, 3,000 metres 7:56.2 and 5,000 metres 13:19.66. McCafferty became the third fastest British miler of all time in 1969. At the end of 1972 he was fifth on the world all-time list for 5,000 metres.