Stars of British athletics have paid tribute to the “inspirational” Olympic silver medallist Todd Bennett, who has died at the age of 51 following a short battle with cancer.
The Southampton-born Bennett capped his career by claiming second place in the 4x400m at the 1984 Los Angeles Games alongside team-mates Kriss Akabusi, Garry Cook and Philip Brown.
Bennett also briefly held the World Indoor 400m record with a time of 45.56. He won a silver medal in the World Indoor Championships in 1985, and was a two-time European Indoor Champion.
Sprinter Jason Gardener, who won Olympic gold in the 4x100m relay in Athens, led the tributes, describing how he was inspired to pursue the sport after watching Bennett’s races.
Speaking on behalf of the board of UK Athletics, Gardener said: “It is a very sad day for athletics and my thoughts are with Todd’s family.
“I like many was inspired as a child watching Todd achieve such great success on the track representing Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
“I was fortunate to meet and work with Todd through his school engagement programme where he inspired thousands of young people throughout the UK to take part and enjoy sport as well as raising funds for school sport.
“He will be greatly missed, but I am sure his legacy will continue.”
Gardener’s relay team-mate Darren Campbell, who went on to become a close friend and business partner of Bennett, tweeted: “Thank you Todd Bennett for allowing me to know a special man, father, husband, athlete and friend. You will always be in my heart! #RIP.”
Upon retirement Bennett moved into coaching, working for UK Athletics with a number of national junior squads as well as the women’s senior team.
He maintained close links with Southampton Athletic Club where he began his career, and the club announced his death in a statement which read: “We are very sad to announce that Todd Bennett has passed away at home after a six-month battle with cancer.
“Todd was dedicated to the sport of athletics during his life as an athlete, coach and team manager and was an inspiration to a huge number of young athletes and school children who he coached and supported.”
Olympic hurdles silver medallist Colin Jackson described Bennett as “a quality man” while Paula Radcliffe added: “Sad, sad news that Todd Bennett has lost his battle with cancer. RIP”.
Bennett’s fellow 400m runner Jamie Baulch, who won the World Indoor title in 1999, wrote: “Thank you Todd Bennett for allowing me to know a special man, father, husband, athlete and friend. You will always be in my heart! #RIP.”
Bennett’s Los Angeles Games team-mate Kriss Akabusi also paid an emotional tribute.
He wrote on Twitter: “#toddbennett 45.56 sec gun to tape #worldrecord #europeanchampion 1985 you’ve completed the journey& dipped us on the line #rip & cya soon x”
Roger Black, who took Olympic silver in the 400m at the 1996 Games, wrote: “@krissakabusi and I were privileged to spend time with Todd Bennett during his battle with cancer. He fought hard, never complained – legend.”
Linford Christie, 100m gold medallist at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992 and a Great Britain team-mate of Bennett’s at the 1988 Games in Seoul, tweeted: “My deepest sympathy goes out to the Bennett family for their loss. RIP Todd Bennett a great human being and athlete.”