John Landy hails former rival Ron Clarke after the latter's death

The man permanently linked with Ron Clarke in Australian sporting folklore has hailed the former world record holder after his death on Tuesday.

Clarke died at the age of 78 on the Gold Coast after a short battle with illness.

The former runner, who won bronze in the 10,000 metres at the 1964 Olympic Games and claimed four silver medals at the Commonwealth Games throughout his career, also set 19 world records in the 1950s and 1960s.

But it is at the 1956 Australian national championships that saw Clarke's name become fused with Landy, with the latter famously stopping to check on his rival during the 1500m final after Clarke's heel was clipped.

Amazingly, Landy went on to win the race despite his pause, while Clarke was chosen to light the flame at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, despite not having made Australia's team.

Both men went on to have careers in politics, with Landy holding the position of Governor of Victoria from 2001-06, while Clarke was elected Mayor of the Gold Coast in 2004 and retained that title until 2012.

"I was very saddened to hear of Ron's passing this morning, he was a great star in the sport of athletics and a wonderfully kind and generous man. I extend my deep condolences to his family and friends," Landy said in a statement released by Athletics Australia.

"Ron's career included some amazing performances across two Olympic Games and three Commonwealth Games. He held every world record from the two miles to the one hour run and no athlete in history has ever matched this feat.

"Ron Clarke, by his running feats inspired Australian distance runners and in a world sense, demonstrated the potential athletics achievements possible. Rest in peace, Ron."