Posted: April 24, 2004

Athletics: Sam Haughian Dies In Automobile Accident

From David Monti

(c) 2004 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved RaceResultsWeekly.com

Sam Haughian, the 2002 AAA of Britain 10,000m champion, died in an auto accident in Johannesburg, South Africa, according to a posting on the U.K. Athletics website.

"Sam was in the final week of a warm weather training campaign to prepare for a bid to reach the 5000m at this summer’s Olympic Games," the posting read. "His physiotherapist Rebecca Wills was injured in the accident and is in hospital."

Haughian, who represented the Windsor, Slough, Eton and Hounslow club, was only 24 years-old, born 09-Jul-1979. His career best times were 7:57.24 for 3000m, 13:19.45 for 5000m and 28:25.87 for 10,000m.

David Moorcroft, UK Athletics Chief Executive said "This is tragic news and difficult to take in. Sam was an extremely talented athlete, so determined and yet such a humble and pleasant young man. Our hearts go out to his family and our thoughts are also with Rebecca and her family."

"Sam was a good friend and one of the most talented, funny and enthusiastic people you could ever hope to know," added Noel Stoddart of PACE Sports Management (formerly KIM International). "His friends are missing him already and our thoughts go out to his family at this time."

Haughian's best year was 2002 when he won the AAA 10,000m title and finished fifth in the Commonwealth Games 5000m in Manchester. Haughian raced sparingly in 2003, finishing third in the 5000m at the Norwich Union World Trials and AAA Championships in 14:02.57. He also finished 12th at the BUPA Great North Run half-marathon in 1:04:47.

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