B. Sutton

BILL SUTTON

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE 2021

Bill Sutton first ran at Stawell as an 18 year old in 1961. In 1962 he ran 3rd in the Gift from his mark of 4.25 yards, being beaten by only 9 inches in the Final, also coming 3rd in the 75 yards Final. His regret was that poor handling at that time cost him more success.

1963 was a great year for Bill, as he took out the Backmarker’s Invitation from 0.75 yards and also the 220 yards from his mark of 5 yards.

In 1965 he won the Australian Professional Sprint Championship, and ran 2nd in the Tasmanian Thousand despite running 9.5 yards inside even time. At the NSW Centenary celebrations he was voted the Professional Athlete of the Sixties.

Billy Sutton remains one of the great characters of professional athletics and has continued to serve his sport as Head Steward for five years and as a respected Victorian Athletic League Starter for more than two decades.