Alumnus George devoted most of his working life to sport at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ. He began his journey with the University in 1971 as a member of staff and undertook an MSc degree in Human Biology, graduating in 1975.
George received an Honorary Degree from the University in 2008 and was a member of academic staff in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences from 1971-2009. He simultaneously gave long service as the Director of Athletics.
Alongside his work at the University, George became an honorary UK National Endurance Coach from 1990-1997, before taking a similar role on a full-time basis from 2009 – 2013. He returned later in 2013 to the University as its Lead Endurance Coach (Athletics).
George was the driving force behind the º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ International Athletics meet (LIA) and contributed to the development of many University athletes, ensuring they had the opportunity to compete on home turf.
George coached more than eighty international athletes, which include major championship medallists such as Lord Sebastian Coe, Chris McGeorge, Paula Radcliffe, Jack Buckner and Lisa Dobriskey.
His achievements and devotion to athletics are internationally recognised. In 2003 and 2014 respectively, George was inducted into the UK Sport Coaching Hall of Fame and the England Athletics Hall of Fame. He has received the British Milers Club Coach of the Year award twice, in 1995 and again in 2008. He also won the BBC East Midlands Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.
George was also inducted into the º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Sport Hall of Fame in 2018.
(Lord Sebastian Coe, George Gandy, David Moorcroft)
Lord Sebastian Coe said:
“George was an exceptional person and a world-class coach. For both I owe him inestimable gratitude. He has enhanced and, in many cases, changed the lives of so many young people including mine. We have all suffered a grievous loss.”
Professor Robert Allison, the University’s Vice-Chancellor, said:
“George Gandy has had a huge impact on º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ. We have lost a world-class coach, outstanding colleague, and modest, thoroughly nice individual. George’s impact on º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Sport is immeasurable. We have lost not just a most talented individual but one of the University’s closest friends.”
John Steele, Executive Director of Sport at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ, said:
“George has not only been a legendary coach at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ but also in world athletics. He was admired for his unique expertise and loved as a generous and kind person. There will not be another George and we will remember him with huge fondness.”
Jo Maher, Principal and CEO of º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ College, said:
“We are deeply saddened to hear about George’s unexpected passing and our thoughts go out to his family. George was nothing short of a legend in the athletics scene and played a pivotal role in making º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ a global centre of sporting excellence.
"Many College staff members knew George well, through work or coaching, and he had a profound impact on their lives and careers."
Our thoughts are with George’s family at this sad time.