Surf lifesaving legend dies aged 73
SURF lifesaving legend and the man who fired the starting pistol for the 100m final at the Sydney Olympics, Geoffrey Martin has died, aged 73.
Southern Courier
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A LEGEND of Sydney surf lifesaving and the man who fired the starting pistol in the 100m of the 2000 Olympics has died aged 73.
Geoffrey Martin OAM, from Coogee, passed away at the weekend.
Mr Martin joined Coogee Surf Lifesaving Club in 1968 and held various positions including treasurer, beach captain and president.
He was also involved in athletics and was regarded as one of the world’s best starting officials.
He was on the prestigious Panel of International Starters and was chosen to fire the starting pistol for the 100m event as well as the marathon at the Sydney Olympics.
Mark Doepel, president of Coogee Surf Lifesaving Club, said Mr Martin was the heart and soul of the club.
“Everything about him was selfless. He contributed so much more to this club than anyone will ever realise,” he said. “Because he never asked for recognition or praise or anything like that. He just rolled up his sleeves and got on with it.”
Mr Martin was a promising sprinter himself back in the 1960s. But after a series of injuries he began officiating at athletics meetings.
He worked his way up and was given the honour of starting the premier event at the Olympics in 2000.
Speaking to the Courier after the event he said: “You could hear a pin drop, it was that quiet in the stadium, and to get them away clean on the first go was a great feeling.
“It didn’t really hit me until later, but starting the premier blue-ribbon event at the Sydney Olympics is a memory that I will cherish forever.”
He was also given the honour of starting the marathon at the 2000 games, which he described as the most nervous he had ever been.
He was involved in Athletics Australia and was the track and field team manager at the Edmonton 1978 Commonwealth Games.
But most in Coogee will know him best for his association with the Surf Lifesaving Club.
He got his bronze medal in 1976 and served as an active patrolling member for many years.
He was honorary assistant treasurer for 10 years, beach captain from 1984 to 1985 and 1989 to 1990, honorary secretary from 1990 to 1991, deputy president from 1991 to 1998, president from 1998 to 2000 and vice president from 2000 to 2006.
“He didn’t care who you were, where you came from, what your background was or who you were related to — as long as you were a good club member,” Mr Doepel said.
“He took care of new members and made them feel welcome in what could be an intimidating environment.
“I will miss him greatly along with everyone else at the club.”
He also officiated at state and national Surf Life Saving competitions for more than 30 years.
Testament to his achievements and selfless dedication he received numerous awards. These included the Australian Sports Medal in 2000 and the OAM for services to athletics and surf lifesaving in 2010.
Mr Martin, who was not married, died over the weekend aged 73.
To pay your tributes to Mr Martin email ben.james@news.com.au.
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