Olympic great Ron Clarke passes away

Australian Olympic great Ron Clarke, who became known around the world for his part in one of the greatest acts of sportsmanship seen in athletics, has died, aged 78.

Clarke died of kidney failure in a Gold Coast hospital early on Wednesday morning, after previously battling heart disease.

Regarded as Australia's greatest middle distance runner, in 1965 Clarke was the first man to run three miles under 13 minutes, but is best remembered for his role in one of sport's most enduring moments.

In 1956, Clarke fell while running in the 1500m race at the Australian National Championships.

His main rival John Landy stopped to help Clarke get back on his feet, before resuming the race and eventually winning.

It was an incident that made headlines around the world, exemplifying Australia's proud reputation for mateship.

The iconic runner set 17 world records during a 44-day tour of Europe in 1965, after lighting the flame as a 19-year-old at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne.

The track great competed at the 1964 Tokyo and 1968 Mexico City Olympics, but only claimed a bronze medal in the 10,000m in 1964.

That was later corrected when the great Czech runner Emil Zatopek gave one of his four Olympic Gold medals to Clarke, "not out of friendship but because you deserve it".

Clarke also won four Commonwealth Games silver medals from 1962 to 1970 over 3 miles, 6 miles and 10,000m.

Born in Melbourne, Clarke's father Tom played football for Essendon and was followed by Clarke’s older brother Jack, who became a legend of the club.

He served as Gold Coast Lord Mayor between 2004 and 2012.

Clarke is survived by his wife Helen, two sons and grandchildren.