TEAM GB Olympic hero John Nuttall has passed away aged 56.
His wife, former 10,000-metre world champion Liz McColgan, announced Nuttall suffered a heart attack on Thursday morning.
She paid tribute to her late husband in a social media post, revealing her heartbreak.
Liz wrote: “It is with great sadness and a heavy heart I write this.
“My husband John Nuttall died yesterday morning with a sudden heart attack.
“A much loved dad, son, brother and husband. For those that loved John our hearts are breaking”.
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Nuttall competed for Team GB in the 5,000 metres at the 1996 Olympic Games.
He also raced in the 1993 and 1995 World Championships and won bronze at the 1994 Commonwealth Games.
After hanging up his boots Nuttall became an elite coach and supported Team GB long-distance runners at London 2012.
His daughter Hannah Nuttall is an Olympic athlete who competes in middle-distance and cross-country running events.
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And his son Luke Nuttall is a British Paralympic athlete who competes in the 1500m in the T46 classification.
Tributes have poured in for Nuttall, who was currently coaching Qatar, from across the sporting world following the news of his sudden passing.
McColgan’s daughter Eilish wrote: “It’s hard to find the words right now… Our family suffered a huge loss yesterday with the sudden passing of my step-father John.
“We’ve spent the last 6 weeks here in Doha, with my mum and John, and so his passing has been a huge shock. We are still trying to process it.
“There is such a huge outpouring of love from both Doha & everyone back home. It just reinforces how many people thought so highly of him. He will be missed by us all 💔”
Qatari athlete Abubaker Haydar Abdalla wrote: “My condolences to his family and all.
“A mentor, coach and friend. RIP John Barry Nuttall.”
Triathlete Islam Sallam added: “Very sad day for the sports community in Doha.
“We lost, not just a friend, but a father figure that we always looked up to and went to for advice and support.
“Rest in peace, John. We will miss you. Our hearts are with you Liz”.
Glamour model Nell McAndrew said: “Oh my goodness Liz, this is heartbreaking. So sad. Thinking of you and your family. Lots of love”.
Others who had worked with John over the years flocked to the comments of Liz’s post to share their condolences.
One person posted: “We are so sorry to hear about John’s passing. Coach John will always be remembered for his kindness, his love for the job, and his understanding of how to motivate young athletes. What a loss”.
Another commented: “Oh my. No. I am so saddened and heartbroken for you and your families.
“John will always remain such a light and role model in my life. Sending hugs and thoughts Liz”.
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Someone else shared: “We are so sorry for your family’s loss. What an amazing human he was. The community will surely miss his kindness and care”.
While a close one said: “I’m shocked! So very sorry to hear this Liz, he was an amazing man. Thoughts with you at this difficult time”.
Source: Athletics - thesun.co.uk
