It is nearly half a century since he won an Olympic gold medal . But hurdler David Hemery , 70 , is still fit – and determined – enough to take on the London Marathon . The former athlete insists he will finish the 26-mile race across the capital next month , even ‘ if I have to crawl ’ . David Hemery , 70 , will run the London Marathon , 47 years after winning an Olympic gold medal . He aims to cross the line in five-and-a-half hours , alternating between one-minute walks and 30-second runs . After a record-breaking win in the 400-metre hurdles in Mexico City in 1968 the Olympian from Wiltshire won silver and bronze in the 1972 Munich games , and Commonwealth gold in 1966 and 1970 . Dr Hemery , who was made a CBE in 1969 and is vice-chairman of the British Olympic Association , plans to run with his 30-year-old son Pete and friend Ray Ridley , 55 . He said : ‘ The training has gone quite well but I ’ ve suffered with some stiffness in my calves . I ’ m walking long distances . Part of it is just getting used to being on your feet for a long time . But even if I have to start on crutches – if I have to crawl – I will finish . ‘ Some think I ’ m crazy and others think it ’ s really inspiring that a sprinter would take on a marathon. ’ Dr Hemery is running for 21st Century Legacy , a charity that trains young people in life skills . To sponsor him visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/DavidHemery . The former athlete insists he will finish the 26-mile race across the capital next month , even ‘ if I have to crawl ’ .
Former ##ur David Heremy , 70 , plans to take on the London title . The hurdler won an Olympic gold medal nearly half a century ago . He insists he cannot finish the marathon race , even ‘ if I have to crawl ’