THERE have been many wins Bendigo athletics trainer John Burke has celebrated over the years.
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Burke rates the Don Cameron Medal he earned in 1979 as one of his most cherished possessions.
The Cameron Medal is presented to the trainer of the Bendigo Thousand winner at each Bendigo International Madison athletics-cycling carnival.
Burke earned his in 1979 when Frank Cornish sprinted to a memorable victory.
The medal was struck to honour Don Cameron, winner of the first Bendigo Thousand in 1947.
“Being presented with the Don Cameron Medal meant a lot then and still does,” Burke said.
Cameron passed away recently, but his feats on the athletics track are not forgotten.
The South Australian capped his trek to Bendigo in 1947 by winning the Thousand. The thousand pound purse made the race one of the richest in the world.
Cameron later married Pauline Mason of Bendigo and worked at the Ordnance Factory, now Thales for many years.
He was speedy wingman for YCW and South Bendigo football clubs.
