Gus was an inspirational PE teacher who guided me in my love of sprinting. He had been a Junior 400m English Schools Champion and took a keen interest in helping me qualify for that event in the summer of 1978. I always remember one specific piece of advice he gave me "When it hurts, smile". For anyone who has run this event they will know that lactic acid hits you hard in the home straight making your legs feel like lead, or running through treacle as it is often referred to. Smiling relaxes muscles so it had a scientific benefit. In 1977 he guided the School Team to win the Hampshire Cup for the first time. I have continued running 400m all these years and won Gold as part of the GB Master 4x400m team in 2017. Thank you Gus RIP.
Pictures
Gus Baker behind Andy Everest and Paul Trueman Hampshire Cup Winners 1977