1933-2016

Mervyn George Lincoln, two time Olympian and Empire Games Silver Medallist in the mile, passed away on Sunday evening. Lincoln’s performances in the 1500m and the mile remain MUAC records.  The 231st Australian to represent their country in open competition, Merv Lincoln made the 1500m final in his international debut at the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne, finishing 12th in 3.51.9. He would go on to win silver in the Empire Games in Cardiff in the mile in 1958. In the same year he broke the mile world record by more than a second in Dublin, running 3:55.9 but finishing second to compatriot Herb Elliot, who would go on to win gold at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Franz Stampfl coached Lincoln, one of his early charges, after arriving in Melbourne at the invitation of Sir Frank Beaurepaire. Whilst a student Lincoln was awarded a Full Blue in Athletics and Tennis, and remained active in both sports for his entire life.

After graduation, Lincoln worked as a teacher before building a successful career in financial services and broadcasting. He returned to study at the Melbourne Business School, first getting an MBA, where he taught from 1969 to 1984, and receiving a PhD, with his thesis providing the academic basis for much of modern debt and insolvency ratings.

MUAC’s thoughts and best wishes are with the Lincoln family.

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