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Christopher ChatawayFormer British athlete, broadcaster and politician
Date of Birth: 31.01.1931
Country: ![]() |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Athletics Career
- Broadcasting Career
- Political Career
- Business and Public Service
- Charity Work
- Personal Life
Early Life and Education
Christopher Chataway was born on 21 January 1931, and attended Sherborne School and Magdalen College, Oxford. He excelled as a long-distance runner, representing Oxford in the University Match and gaining his Blue.
Athletics Career
Chataway's athletics career was marked by both brilliance and misfortune. At the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, he tripped and fell on the final lap of the 5,000 meters, finishing fifth. Despite this setback, he won the European silver medal in 1954 and set a world record with a time of 13 minutes 51.6 seconds. He won gold at the 1954 Commonwealth Games and retired from international athletics in 1956.
Broadcasting Career
After graduating from Oxford, where he studied PPE, Chataway pursued a career in broadcasting. He joined ITN in 1955 as one of its first newscasters, then moved to BBC's "Panorama" in 1956, where he covered international stories.
Political Career
Chataway entered politics in 1958, winning a seat on the London County Council. He was elected to Parliament in 1962 and served in various ministerial roles, including Parliamentary Secretary for Refugees, Junior Education Minister, and Minister for Posts and Telecommunications. He lost his seat in 1966 but returned in 1969.
Business and Public Service
After leaving Parliament in 1974, Chataway joined Orion Bank as Managing Director. He also held various non-business roles, including chairing Groundwork and serving as Honorary Treasurer of the National Campaign for Electoral Reform.
Charity Work
Chataway had a deep commitment to charity work, particularly supporting the organization ActionAid. He served as its Honorary Treasurer and Chairman, helping it grow into a major international children's charity.
Personal Life
Chataway's stepfather was Conservative MP Charles Walker. He was knighted in 1995 for his services to aviation.