Willie Dunne competed in the men's marathon at the 1960 Rome Olympic Games, finishing 44th in 2:33:08, and had the distinction of meeting Cassius Clay at a post-Games party and examining the future world heavyweight champion's Olympic gold medal.
A member of Donore Harriers coached by Eddie Hogan, Dunne's introduction to athletics had been accidental: in 1949 he and friends watched a race in College Park, climbed over the railings for a closer look, and were invited to race for a prize of half-a-crown offered by a Trinity student. Dunne won, exchanged his boxing gear at St Francis' Boxing Club for Donore Harriers colours, and graduated through long jumping and half-miling to cross country and the marathon.
He achieved the Olympic qualifying time and was one of three Irish marathon runners at those Games alongside Bertie Messitt and Gerry McIntyre. After his senior career, Dunne went on to compete in Masters where he won medals at European and World level.
Athletics
