Dr David Saul

Achievements:

• Bermuda National Championships: Second Bermudian to break the 5-minute mile

• Bermuda Amateur Athletic Association: Competed in multiple national and international meets

• Records: Held Bermuda's 10-mile record (52:53) for 22 years

• Olympic Qualification: Qualified for the 1960 Rome Olympics in the 5,000 meters

• Marathon: Ran 2:42 in the 1969 Bermuda International Marathon and 2:47 in the 1969 Boston Marathon

• Government: Premier of Bermuda, Minister of Finance, and recipient of an Honorary Doctorate from Loughborough University

Biography:

David Saul's journey into the world of athletics began at Mount Saint Agnes and continued at Saltus, where his natural talent for running was nurtured. Encouraged by fellow Hall of Famer DJ Williams, young David took up the challenge to see how far his abilities could take him. Their early morning training sessions at Horseshoe Bay, running up and down sand dunes, laid the foundation for a remarkable athletic career.

David's first major breakthrough came when he became the second Bermudian to break the 5-minute mile, although he was narrowly beaten by Ross Menzies at the Bermuda National Championships in May 1957. In that same event, David also won the 3-mile race, earning him the runner-up position for Athlete of the Year, just behind Menzies.

A key member of the Bermuda Amateur Athletic track team, David competed in numerous meets, often triumphing over airmen from Kindley Field in the mile and 880-yard races. Over the next year, he embarked on an ambitious quest to dominate every running record between 1 and 10 miles. His 10-mile record of 52:53 stood unchallenged for 22 years. David's prowess continued to grow, and he repeatedly broke his own mile record, ultimately lowering it to 4:42.0 at the 1958 Track and Field Championships.

In 1959, David's athletic journey took him to Loughborough College in England, an institution renowned for its athletic programs. Training alongside members of the British National team, he qualified for the 1960 Rome Olympics with a 15:31 time in the 5,000 meters. However, his Olympic dreams were shattered by a botched surgery in January 1960, which not only ended his hopes for the Rome Olympics but also dashed his aspirations for the 1964 Tokyo Games.

Despite these setbacks, David's resilience saw him return to competitive running. In 1969, he clocked an impressive 2:42 in the Bermuda International Marathon and followed it up with a 2:47 in the prestigious Boston Marathon. His passion for running never waned, and he continued to compete well into his later years, frequently winning his age group in various races.

David's love for running has seen him cover more than 500,000 miles over his lifetime, and he remains a familiar sight on Sunday mornings at Horseshoe Bay, conquering the challenging terrain of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Beyond his athletic achievements, David served as the Premier of Bermuda and the Minister of Finance, earning an Honorary Doctorate from Loughborough University for his contributions.

Legacy:

Dr. David Saul's legacy is a testament to perseverance, dedication, and an unyielding passion for athletics. His numerous records, Olympic qualification, and marathon accomplishments highlight his exceptional talent and determination. Beyond sports, his contributions to Bermuda's governance and his commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on the island. David's journey continues to inspire future generations of athletes and leaders, embodying the spirit of resilience and dedication.