Robert Hendy is truly one of the Club’s greats!
Joining the Club in October 1963, after tossing up between cricket and athletics, Robert immediately impressed Club officials at our Track Trials, but even then, the future that eventuated was probably not quite foreseen, either in its longevity or success!
Robert came to the Club because he had done ‘all right’ at the Post Office sports carnival.
“You should give athletics a go,” he was told. “Go down to Collingwood Harriers in Clifton Hill, you might do well!”
Robert did come down to Collingwood Harriers and the rest is history!
Ten victories in the Club 5 Mile Cross-Country Championship certainly place Robert right at the top of our winter performers. Robert was actually first over the line eleven times but was running as an invite in 1992 so was ineligible for the sash. Many other Club Championships were won by R.J. over the years in a variety of events.
Robert represented Australia four times from 1973 to 1977.
1973 Pacific International Games – British Colombia – Canada
1st 3000 Metres Steeplechase 8:29.0 then Canadian Record and still Club Record
1st 1500 Metres (Satellite meeting) Saskatoon 3:45
1974 Commonwealth Games – Christchurch – New Zealand
Finalist 3000 Metre Steeplechase 8:40
4th. heat 5000 Metres 14:08
1975 World Games – Christchurch – New Zealand
Finalist 3000 Metres Steeplechase 8:47 (fell with 700m to go!)
8th 1500 Metres 3:41.8 P.B. and still Club Record
1977 Pacific Conference Games – Canberra – Australia
3rd 3000 Metres Steeplechase
8th 1500 Metres
Unsurprisingly Robert also had quite a deal of success at the State level, winning eight Victorian Steeplechase titles between 1968 and 1977. In 1975, the Steeple and 1500 Metres titles in both N.S.W. and South Australia also fell to Robert. During the period from 1968 to 1977, Robert represented Victoria 20 times in both summer and winter fixtures.
The Olympic Games were of course a big ambition for Robert and although he was placed in the trials for 1968, 1972 and 1976 he was unable to make it to the big one. In two of these trials, Robert missed the qualifying by less than a second.
One of the personal highlights of Robert’s career came in 1971 when he was successful in winning the Victorian 10 Mile (now 16k) Cross-Country title. Always a great competitor, it is fair to say that this distance was not Robert’s favourite, but on the day, things fell his way and running as much with his head as his feet he was able to outsmart the race favourite to claim the victory.
The Club was shocked and disappointed when Robert was made an offer he couldn’t refuse in 1977, which saw him leave our ranks and run with the professionals for the next few years.
It is fair to say that the decision hurt Robert too, but he really was left no option but to look after his future.
Robert became the face of the pro circuit for a few seasons, featuring prominently on the television each Sunday in the halftime events at the VFA games. Perhaps his biggest win was in the Moomba Mile run up Bourke St. in 1981. The $1000:00 purse was very gratefully received. The win at Doncaster off scratch in 8k Cross-Country was another highlight as were the wins at Bendigo, Echuca and Wangaratta in 800 Metre events and Ringwood, Preston, Port Melbourne, Prahran and Dandenong in 1000 Metre events.
Robert also participated extensively in the Masters Athletics (formerly Veterans) having great success at State, National and International levels. Over the period from 1990 to 2005, Robert won 5 x 800m, 10 x 1500m and 5 x 5000m titles at the Victorian and/or Australian Championships.
A more detailed resume includes:
1994 World Masters – Queensland 45-49 years
1st 3000 Metres Steeplechase
2nd 1500 Metres
1995 Australian Masters – Melbourne 50-54 years
1st 3000 Metres Steeplechase Victorian age group record
1st 1500 Metres Victorian age group record
1997 Canberra 50-54 years
1st 800 Metres
2000 Asia-Pacific Masters Games – Queensland 50-54 years
1st 800 Metres
1st 1500 Metres
Robert also ran in 11 Melbourne Marathons from 1980 to 1992.
When the rules regarding the amateur/professional situation were relaxed Robert again became involved with Collingwood Harriers and his involvement played a big part in the resurgence of the Club through the late nineties onwards. He was a part of quite a few of our overage teams in the winter relays and his enthusiasm towards other runners was just like ‘the old days’ when Robert Hendy was not only the athlete but the motivator as well, in both summer and winter seasons. Still, Robert is available to help our junior athletes and has often played a part in assisting with coaching schedules and advice.
Robert always put the Club first! Even in his very best days, Robert would always put his personal welfare second to the Club’s fortunes. How many times did we see Robert volunteer to do the high jump or 440 yards hurdles despite having to run a Victorian Championship the next day?
A real bitter-sweet moment occurred in the 1973 Victorian 1 Mile Championship, held at the Box Hill track. Robert qualified for the final which consisted of the cream of the runners of the day.
The magical four-minute mile beckoned!
Robert was well placed throughout the final and although probably never going to beat either Graeme Crouch or Peter Fuller, his effort to finish third was inspirational to all those Collingwood supporters present.
But the placing was not the big issue!!
What time did he run?
No electronic timing in 1973. There were three (handheld) watches on each of the placegetters.
Robert’s time was announced as 4:00.1
One tenth of a ………………………….second!
It was some thirty years later that it came out that two of the watches had Robert under four minutes, but under the rules of the day, the slowest time was taken!
Further evidence of Robert’s attitude to his running and his application to the fortunes of the Club rather than his personal achievements can be seen in the following note written in the Victorian Marathon Club’s newsletter (Vol 7 No 1 1975) by Olympian and future Australian coach, Chris Wardlaw.
“Hendy has had a long season and really it is remarkable that he was able to peak so well in November, January and March. He is certainly not a lost cause for next season if he can pursue a more concentrated peak.”
Robert had just finished second in the Australian Steeplechase Championship – 8:39.2
In 2005, the Club introduced the Winter Points Awards, initially to encourage a better participation in the Club winter events. We saw fit to name the senior award the Robert Hendy Award. Of course, Robert’s participation and success was a big factor in his name being used. But it was his enthusiasm and passion for the Club that was just as important.
It is great that Robert is always available to present ‘his’ award at the start of each winter season
Collingwood Harriers owes much to Robert Hendy!
Over the years Robert brought others to the Club. His brother Ron (father of champion surf Iron Man, Trevor) had a couple of runs with us, as did his cousins Ron and Gary Moylan. Ron Moylan went on to play a few games with the Collingwood Football Club.
Gary competed off and on for a few seasons but was not as consistent as his big cousin!
Robert’s mum and dad were keen supporters of the Club often hosting Crazy Whist nights at their home in Thornbury.
Robert’s own records show that between 1963 and 2012 he ran over 1500 races, winning approximately 440 of them.
Something to aim at!!
Robert was made a Life Member of Collingwood Harriers in 2001 – thirty eight years after first joining the Club. Of course, the years lost while ‘absent on professional duties’ played a big part in the delay, Robert’s final promotion to Life Membership was one of the most popular announcements made in the Club’s history.
September 2013
A complete list including Robert’s ‘known’ results, including State, Interstate, National and International events, can be seen Below or Here
The following list includes the ‘known’ results, including State, Interstate, National and International events, of the nominated person.
The list does not include:
* the many summer events (Track/Interclub/Shield) that the person may have done
* The club winter races
* relays
Some of these results can be found elsewhere on this website (see ‘results’)
The Club would be pleased to be notified of any extra information from members or athlete’s families with regard to corrections or additions to the lists.
Any further information to add to the history of the Collingwood Harriers would be very welcome.
Contact Steve Griffiths steveg@techinfo.com.au
1964
Victorian Championships
Open 82nd 5 Mile CCC 28:26.0
Under 21 11th 5 Mile CCC 27:51.0
Open 50th 10000m CCC 37:45.0
Open 34th 10 Mile CCC 59:24.0
Open 41st 15 Mile Road 88:06.0
1965
Collingwood 5 Mile Cross Country Champion
Victorian Championships
Open 6th 880 yards nt
Under 21 9th 5 Mile CCC 27:40.0
Open 56th 5 Mile CCC 30:30.0
Open 77th 10000m CCC 39:43.0
Open 31st 10 Mile CCC 60:18.0
Open 45th 15 Mile Road 85:36.0
Open Frank Fergusson 10000m CC 38:05.0
South Australian Championships
Open 4th 5 Mile CCC 28:31.0
1966
Australian Championships
Open 2nd 3000m Steeplechase 9:35.3
Victorian Championships
Open 38th 10000m C CC 35:15.0
Open 53rd 10 Mile CCC 61:00.0
South Australian Championships
Open 3rd 5 Mile CCC 28:32.0
1967
Collingwood 5 Mile Cross Country Champion
Victorian Championships
Open 3rd heat 1 Mile 4:20.7
12th final nt
Open 11th 10 Mile CCC 55:59.0
Open 12th 10000m CCC 33:52.0
Open 9th 5 Mile CCC 26:37.0
Open 64th 10 Mile Road 56:01.0
Open 15 Mile Road 84:55.0
Open Frank Fergusson 10000m CC 33:44.0
South Australian Championships
Open 3rd 5 Mile CCC 26:18.0
1968
Collingwood 5 Mile Cross Country Champion
Australian Championships
Open 5th 3000m Steeplechase 9:05.8
Victorian Championships
Open 3rd 1500m nt
Open 7th 3 Mile 14:07.0
Open 4th heat 3000m Steeplechase nt
1st final 9:15.4
Open 6th 5 Mile CCC 27:37.0
Open 7th 10000m CCC 32:16.0
Open 35th 10 Mile CCC 61:06.0
Open 56th 15 Mile Road 85:06.0
1969
Collingwood 5 Mile Cross Country Champion
Australian Championships
Open 4th 3000m Steeplechase 9:05.6
Victorian Championships
Open 4th heat 800m nt
2nd final 1:52.0
Open 3rd 1500m 3:53.3
Open 11th 1 Mile 4:18.0
Open 2nd 5000m 14:35.0
Open 1st heat 3000m Steeplechase 9:14.4
10thfinal 9:30.6
Open 1st 5000m CCC 15:33.0
Open 20th 10 Mile Road 52:03.0
Open 15th 10 Mile CCC 59:33.0
Open 6th 10000m CCC 34:02.0
Open 34th 10000m Road 34:07.0
Open 10th 5 Mile CCC 27:35.0
Open 44th 15 Mile Road 85:36.0
South Australian Championships
Open 2nd 5 Mile CCC 26:23.0
1970
Collingwood 5 Mile Cross Country Champion
Victorian Championships
Open 4th heat 880yards 1:54.8
4th semi 1:56.2
Open 3rd heat 1 Mile 4:21.0
Open 3rd 5000m CCC 17:30.0
Open 8th 5 Mile CCC 26.18.0
Open 4th 10000m CCC 33:39.0
Open 22nd 10 Mile CCC 69.01.0 (app 1.5k long)
Open 18th 10000m Road 33:23.0
Open 82nd 10 Mile Road 55:30.0
Open 20th 15 Mile Road 83:25.0
1971
Collingwood 5 Mile Cross Country Champion
Australian Championships
Open 3rd 3000m Steeplechase 9:12.0
Open 26th 10000m CCC 38:45.0
Victorian Championships
Open 1st heat 1500m 3:45.2
Open 11thfinal nt
Open 3rd 1 Mile 4:05.1
Open 1st heat 3000m Steeplechase 9:28.2
1st final 8:47.8
Open 1st 5000m CCC 15:55.0
Open 14th 5 Mile CCC 27:39.0
Open 5th 10000m CCC 32:58.0
Open 1st 10 Miles CCC 53:58.5
Open 17th 10000m Road 32:46.0
Open 16th 10 Mile Road 52:09.0
Open 53rd 15 Mile Road 86:44.0
South Australian Championships
Open 5th 10000m CCC 34:15.0
1972
Collingwood 5 Mile Cross Country Champion
Australian Championships
Open 4th 5000m 14:36.4
Open 2nd 3000m Steeplechase 8:48.0
Victorian Championships
Open 1st heat 1 Mile 4:11.4
2nd final 4:03.2
Open 5th heat 5000m 15:12.8
5th final 14:16.0
Open 1st heat 3000m Steeplechase 9:19.1
1st final 8:44.2
Open 6th 8000m CCC 25:33.0
Open 16th 10000m CCC 32:58.0
Open 28th 10000m Road 31:35.0
Open 15th 15000m CCC 52:38.0
Open 35th 15000m Road 49:02.0
Open 39th 25000m Road 1:38:46.0
1973
Pacific Conference Games
Toronto 5th 3000m Steeplechase 8:54.4
Pacific International Games
Victoria Vancouver Island 1st 3000m Steeplechase 8:29.0 Canadian Record
Australian Championships
Open 2nd 3000m Steeplechase 8:48.2
Victorian Championships
Open 4th 1 Mile 4:06.2
Open 1st heat 3000m Steeplechase 8:57.81st final 8:46.4
Open 7th 8000m CCC 27:19.0
Open 19th 10000m Road 34:19.0
Open 11th 15000m Road 46:50.0
1974
Collingwood 5 Mile Cross Country Champion
Commonwealth Games
Christchurch 8th heat 5000m 14:14.98
9th 3000m Steeplechase 8:46.0 (fell)
Australian Championships
Open 10th 5000m 14:36.0
Open 3rd 3000m Steeplechase 8:51.4
Victorian Championships
Open 1st heat 1500m 3:47.1
Open 3rd final 1 Mile 4:00.1
Open 1st heat 3000m Steeplechase 9:25.8
1st final 9:00.4
Open 10th 8000m CCC 25:06.0
Open 10th 10000m CCC 32:16.0
Open 15th 10000m Road 32:24.0
Open 25th 15000m CCC 52:37.0
Open 19th 15000m Road 48:01.0
Open 27th 25000m Road 88:55.0
Open 1st 5000m CCC 17:47.0
New South Wales Championships
Open 1st 1500m 3:46.4
Open 1st 3000m Steeplechase 9:04.2
1975
Collingwood 5 Mile Cross Country Champion
Australian Championships
Open 15th 10000m Road 32:46.0
Open 9th 5000m 14:28.0
Open 2nd 3000m Steeplechase 8:39.2
Open 15th 10000m CCC 32:46.0
Victorian Championships
Open heat 1500m no details
semi dns
Open 2nd heat 1 Mile 4:11.3
6th final 4:10.0
Open 2nd final 3000m Steeplechase 8:42.6
Open 3rd 8000m CCC 24:10.0
Open 6th 12000m CCC 37:49.0
Open 3rd 16000m CCC 51:00.0
Open 24th 25000m Road 86:35.0
Open 24th 15000m Road 48:09.0
Open 19th 10000m Road 25:17.0 (app 2k short)
Open 3rd 10000m CC selection trial 33:29.0
1976
Australian Championships
Open 30th 12000m Road 39:29.0
Open 1st heat 1500m 3:46.0
final dns
Open 3rd 3000m Steeplechase 8:46.6
Victorian Championships
Open 2nd heat 1500m 3:49.6
Open 8th 1 Mile 4:10.7
Open 1st heat 3000m Steeplechase 9:01.8
Open 2nd 5000 CCC 17:39.0
Open 23rd 8000m CCC 26:24.0
Open 11th 25000m Road 1:21:54
1977
Pan Pacific Games
Canberra 7th 1500m nt
3rd 3000m Steeplechase 8:55.46
Australian Championships
Open 2nd 3000m Steeplechase 9:06.4
Victorian Championships
Open 1st heat 3000m Steeplechase 8:52.0
1st final 8:43.2
Open 282nd 8000m CCC 32:00.0 (missed start)
Open 18th 10000m Road 31:13.0
Open 30th 12000m CCC 40:03.0
Open 9th 16000m CCC 55:01.0
Open 24th 15000m Road 48:39.0
Open 47th 25000m Road 89:48.0
1996
Victorian Championships
Open 234th 10000m Road 36:56.0
Open 248th 16000m CCC 70:35.0
Open 144th 8000m CCC 32:23.0
Open 168th 12000m CCC 49:40.0
Open 196th 15000m Road 60:26.0
Open Half Marathon 83:39.0
1997
Victorian Championships
Open 211th 12000m CCC 51:18.0
Open 171st 8000m CCC 34:00.0
1998
Victorian Championships
Open 263rd 10000m Road 40:02.0
Open 205th 16000m CCC 74:02.0
Open 217th 15000m Road 62:02.0
Open 12000m CCC 51:22.0
Open 194th 8000m CCC 33:30.0
Open 282nd Half Marathon 1:44:02.0
1999
Victorian Championships
Open 319th 10000m Road 42:17.0
Open 312th 12000m CCC 61:21.0
Open 259th 15000m Road 66:14.0
Open 215th 8000m CCC 37:20.0
Open 177th 16000m CCC 78:03.0
Open 187th Half Marathon 93:00.0
2000
Victorian Championships
Open 250th 8000m CCC 33:45.0
Open 270th 10000m Road 39:54.0
Open 217th 16000m CCC 81:39.0
Open 238th 12000m CCC 55:43.0
2002
Victorian Championships
Open 222nd 8000m CCC 35:56.0
2005
Victorian Championships
Open 347th 10000m Road 45:29.0
Open 276th 8000m CCC 38:38.0
Open 277th 15000m Road 73:30.0
