Murray Halberg

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Medal record
Murray Halberg
Men's Athletics
Competitor for New Zealand
Olympic Games
Gold	1960 Rome	5000 metres

Sir Murray Gordon Halberg, ONZ, MBE, (born July 7, 1933 in Eketahuna) is a former New Zealand middle distance runner.

A rugby player in his youth, Halberg suffered a severe injury during a game, leaving his left arm crippled. The next year, he took up running, seemingly being only more motivated by his handicap.

Three years later, Halberg broke through, winning his first national title on the senior level, and being allowed to compete in the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games - placing 5th in the mile. In 1956, when the Olympics were held in Melbourne, Australia, he placed 11th in the 1500 metres.

In 1958, Halberg became New Zealand Sportsman of the Year. He won this award not only because he became the first four minute miler from New Zealand, but also because of his gold medal in the 3 miles at the 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games. For the 1960 Rome Olympics, Halberg focused more on the longer distances, entering in the 5000 and 10000 m. On the same day countryman Peter Snell was victorious in the 800 m, Halberg grabbed the 5000 m gold. He later also placed 5th in the 10000 m.

Sir Murray was made an MBE in 1961, and knighted in 1988.

The following year, Halberg set four new world records, all in events over imperial distances. After carrying the flag at the opening ceremonies, Halberg successfully defended his 3 mile title at the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games. He closed out his running career at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, finishing 7th in the 10000 m.

In 1963, Murray Halberg set up The Halberg Trust, which supports children with disabilities, and he took over the management of the New Zealand Sportsman of the Year Award, which was later renamed the Halberg award.

In the 2008 Queen's Birthday Honours List, Halberg was appointed to New Zealand's highest non titular honour, the Order of New Zealand.