Dave Bedford:10,000m.European Record,Portsmouth,1971

in the space of 200 metres there is a gap of 45 yards. Why would the commentator not say 45 metres? I can't see the point in changing imperial/metric in one sentence

This was a great introduction to the world of international athletics. My father had taken me there from Cardiff at the age of 14 to watch the men's javelin competition between John McSorley, Dave Travis & Neville Hart -Ives but to see David Bedford break the European 10,000 meter record as well in his famous red socks on cinders was a fantastic bonus and will stay with me for the rest of my life, even the sun was shining, what a brilliant day.

A great performance, especially on a cinder track!

CAN YOU IMAGINE HOW MUCH FASTER BEDFORD WOULD HAVE BEEN ON TODAY'S TARTAN, ALL WEATHER TRACKS!!!!!!!!!! AMAZING?????? SURELY CLOSE TO 27 MINUTES,,,,,, SURELY!!!!!!!!!! FUKKIN INCREDIBLE MAN,,,,, INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Julian Goater brought me here.

I was there on that day doing the Long jump and managed a personal best of 6.85m the long jump actually had a all weather run up one of the only ones i had jumped on. Every one but the long jump officials was watching Bedford

A few months later I ran on the same track in a 50 miles race. Dave had left a smokey haze exuding from that track he scorched, and the smell of 'Old Spice' still hung in the air. Dave remains a legend.

Dave Bedford was awesome he was the original 118 man !!!

As a schoolboy I used to run against him. He was always back in the changing room and showered by the time I finished!