Steve Jones MBE Statue
Running Legend Steve Jones Honoured with Statue in Ebbw Vale
A steel statue of one of Wales’s greatest sporting heroes, Steve Jones MBE, OLY and Freeman of Blaenau Gwent, was unveiled by the man himself in Ebbw Vale today.
The statue commemorates the athlete’s legendary achievements and was unveiled in the presence of a proud community; local and national dignitaries; top names from the world of running; Welsh sporting organisations; children and young people and representatives from the RAF and local ATC Cadets.
Steve was a part of Ebbw Vale Squadron 1158 Ebbw Vale, who first gave him the opportunity to showcase his talents. He later went on to serve in the RAF, combining military life and his blossoming athletics career, often running wearing the RAF vest.
A good friend of Steve’s, Kelvin Smith, read his rousing poem ‘Because you are our Legend’ for the crowd and Beaufort Male Choir sang two numbers, before leading the crowd in the National Anthem ‘Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’.
The statue, created by artist Tim Ward, captures Steve’s iconic pose from his record-breaking victory at the 1984 Chicago Marathon - a moment that etched his name into global athletic history.
An emotional Steve said:
“It’s always lovely to come home, but this time was extra special. Who would have thought that when I left Ebbw Vale on February 19th 1974 as an 18-year-old lad to join the Royal Air Force with a tiny bit of running experience, that this would be nurtured and developed into such a massive part of my life. My achievements speak not only to the work and training my coaches and I put into my sport, but they are also very much a reflection of where I come from. Growing up in Ebbw Vale, and especially Hilltop, created and moulded me into the person and athlete I became, and I never ever forgot that. So, to quote the great Michael Foot, every time I put on a pair of running shoes, wherever I was around the world, I was not only representing my country Wales but also Ebbw Vale.
Today is probably one of the most wonderful days of my life. As I strove to honour Ebbw Vale and Hilltop I am so happy that Blaenau Gwent and Ebbw Vale in particular is honouring the young lad from Hilltop that came good. Thank you Thank you Thank you.”
Steve, who recently celebrated his 70th birthday, is visiting from his home in Colorado, USA. After the unveiling he took part in ‘An Audience with Steve Jones – Celebrating Local Greatness’, an event reflecting on a momentous life and career.
At the end of the day, Steve was officially presented with the Freedom of the County Borough of Blaenau Gwent scroll by Blaenau Gwent Council’s Presiding Member, Cllr Chris Smith.
This celebration of Steve is the result of a partnership between Blaenau Gwent Council, Parc Bryn Bach Running Club, and the Aneurin Leisure Trust, with support from crowdfunding and the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.
Steve Jones’ legacy continues to inspire generations. His triumphs include victories at both the Chicago and London Marathons, and his full list of achievements can be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Jones_(runner)
Last year marked the 40th anniversary of his world-record-breaking Chicago win, and this April marked 40 years since his London Marathon victory.
What's your sporting story?
Steve Jones MBE's statue celebrates a remarkable sporting journey, but every community has stories of sport making a difference. Whether you've represented your town, volunteered at a local club, coached young people, or simply found friendship and confidence through sport, let us know!
