Allan ‘Dizzy’ Lynch

Considered by many as one of the best One and Two Milers to compete at Stawell, ‘Dizzy’ as he was affectionately called, had the benefit of being trained by Arthur Edgerton at Geelong, where he won three Backmarkers’ events in succession, in 1980, 81 and 82. He won many races between the 1600 and 3200 metres in a career lasting more than 20 years.

Lynch was matched against rivals Leigh Paterson, Viv Woodward, Chris Fisher and Tony Benson. 1980 was a great year for Lynch, and at Stawell he won the 1600 and 3200 events, and followed up the following year with the same results – a record that still stands. He captured the 3200 again in 1982, giving him three successive wins, and the Herb Hedemann Invitation Mile in 1987.

It was in 1982 when the Australian Distance Championships were held at Bendigo, that Lynch captured second placing in the 800 and 1600 metres, and third in the 3200 event. Fisher won all three championship events and the overall championship. ‘Dizzy’ coached North Ballarat Football Club to two premierships, also Beaufort and Geelong West. He coached younger brother Darren to win the Australian 1500 and 3000 metre titles.