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 today:
“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.
Councillor Sue Edmunds and the Chair of Parc Bryn Bach Running Club (and longtime Steve Jones fan) Lee Aherne have been instrumental to ensuring this lasting legacy to Steve.
Lee Aherne says: “Steve is a Welsh sporting icon and deserves every accolade that comes his way. I hope this statue will inspire future generations to take up running and hopefully help my club, Parc Bryn Bach, to become the best in Wales. I’d like to personally thank the fantastic team of people at Blaenau Gwent Council and Aneurin Leisure Trust for helping to make a seven-year pipe dream a reality.”
Cllr Sue Edmunds says:
“Steve Jones is a true legend whose story captures the very soul of Blaenau Gwent. From the streets of Ebbw Vale to the global stage, his journey is nothing short of extraordinary. His humility, even in the face of world-record-breaking success, speaks volumes about the strength of his character. Steve isn’t just a running icon - he’s one of us. His achievements continue to inspire generations, proving that with grit, passion, and perseverance, greatness is within reach.
“His statue unveiled today stands as a powerful symbol of what’s possible. The statue will forever remind us - especially our young people - that ambition, resilience, and belief in yourself can take you anywhere. Let’s make sure Steve’s legacy remains a cornerstone of Blaenau Gwent’s story. His statue will stand tall, not just in steel, but in the hearts of everyone who dares to dream big.”
Lynn Davies is the 1964 Olympic long jump gold medallist, double Commonwealth Games champion and European champion. Also, former Team GB athletics team manager at the 1983 World Championships and 1984 Olympic Games when Steve Jones was in the team. Lynn is President of the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame.
He said today: “Steve was always one of the lads, a man who back in the day enjoyed a couple of beers. His story proves the power of sport can elevate anyone any background and any job to become world class and world renowned.
“To me he has always been the boy from Ebbw Vale who never forgot where he came from and was so fiercely proud of his heritage. Sport provided him with an opportunity, and he grabbed it with both hands.
“His achievements in the sport are remarkable and it’s always great to see an athlete from Wales perform to such a high level on the world stage. He has always ensured the Welsh dragon flew high and flew proud around the world wherever he went.
“His career remains an inspiration to the sportsmen and women in Wales and throughout the UK. His dedication to both his job in the RAF and his athletics training are shining examples of what can be achieved with discipline, determination and desire.
“Steve is a Welsh sporting great, but the statue in his hometown of Ebbw Vale will forever more remind people he is also very much a local hero.”
David Bedford is one of Britain’s greatest distance runners. He broke the world 10,000 metre record and was crowned World Cross Country Champion. He ran at all the major championships and then went on to become race director of the London Marathon.
He said: “Steve was a great runner in his day but just think how much better he might have become in the modern era with all the new developments in shoe technology and training methods. He is one of the few people who has lasted the course in terms of gaining the respect of new generations of athletes.
“I am just so delighted that he is being honoured in this way in his hometown. He was a world class athlete, but he is also a very good man to go with it.
“Every race director in the world wanted Steve Jones in his marathon field and we were delighted when he came to London in 1985 and had a great battle with Charlie Spedding. His winning time was a course record that stood until 1997.
“I knew him first as a 10,000-metre runner and a cross-country specialist before he took up the marathon. It was always his strength and tenacity that made him stand-out from the crowd.
“He was probably denied his greatest achievement of winning gold at the 1986 European Championships when he blew up in the second half of the race after having problems with his water at the feeding stations.
“He was leading by two minutes at half-way, got dehydrated, fell down the field but refused to give up. When everyone else in his shoes would have quit, he literally ran until he dropped over the line in 2 hours 22 minutes – what a tough man!
“I’m delighted he is being recognised in this way in his hometown, and he is very well loved and respected not only in his local community, but by athletes across the world.”
Artist Tim Ward said he was honoured to be asked to create the statue. He says:
“I am proud to have been commissioned to design and create the statue in honour of Steve Jones and thank you to everyone I worked in partnership on this wonderful project. The statue will, I am sure, provide inspiration for people visiting the sports centre and become a positive local landmark.”
