A long-time friend of Sir Murray Halberg says he was described as having acid, rather than blood in his veins.

The athletics legend has died aged 89.

He's best known for striking gold in the 5000m at the 1960 Rome Olympics, and he was also New Zealand's first sub four minute miler.

President of Auckland Athletics Murray McKinnon told Kate Hawkesby he did well at secondary school, but it wasn't until he met the great Arthur Lydiard that he excelled.

He says Halberg told him he would have just been an average runner and won a few national titles had he not met Lydiard.

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A long-time friend of Sir Murray Halberg says he was described as having acid, rather than blood in his veins.
The athletics legend has died aged 89.
He's best known for striking gold in the 5000m at the 1960 Rome Olympics, and he was also New Zealand's first sub four minute miler.
President of Auckland Athletics Murray McKinnon told Kate Hawkesby he did well at secondary school, but it wasn't until he met the great Arthur Lydiard that he excelled.
He says Halberg told him he would have just been an average runner and won a few national titles had he not met Lydiard.
LISTEN ABOVE

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A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.