Article by Alexandru Tomuțiu – Published Thursday, March 12, 2026 9:24 p.m. / Updated Thursday, March 12, 2026 9:26 p.m.
Former Olympic champion Ron Delany (91 years old) died on Wednesday in Dublin, due to the health problems he was facing. He had an impressive career.
The famous Irish athlete made history when he won gold in the 1,500 meters at the 1956 Melbourne Games, aged just 21. The Arklow runner took victory with an impressive finish, setting a then Olympic record of 3:41.2.
Ron Delany, one of Ireland's leading sportsmen
Delany also won bronze in the 1,500 meters at the European Championships in Stockholm in 1958, as well as gold in the 800 meters at the Sofia Universiade in 1961. He later served as president of the Irish Olympic Association and in 2006 was awarded the 'Key to the City' of Dublin.
In 2019, Delaney personally unveiled the monument erected in his honor in the park that bears his name in Arklow, according to sportal.rs.
Ronnie Delany was one of Ireland's greatest Olympians and a defining figure in our country's sporting history. His incredible victory in Melbourne in 1956 remains one of the most memorable moments in Irish team history.
Ronnie has made an invaluable contribution to Irish sport and the Olympic movement over decades of work. Through his leadership of the Irish Olympic Association and unwavering dedication to athletes, he inspired generations and remained a proud ambassador for our team throughout his life. He truly represented the best in us. May he rest in peace.
– Peter Sherrard, Chief Executive of the Olympic Council of Ireland
