Highgate Harriers last major Championship medallist was Bill Sutherland, a Policeman, who ran for Scotland in the Edinburgh Commonwealth Games of 1970, on the 18th of July, in the 20 Miles walking, in which he was 3rd in 2:37: 24, one place ahead of England's first home Bob Dobson, who did 2:39:35:.55. 21 internationals started. The winner was Noel Freeman of Australia in 2:33.33. Gordon Smith in ' Athletics Arena' Edited by Charles Elliott wrote " Bill Sutherland gained a thoroughly well-earned bronze medal".
In 1991 Bill was 13th of 22 walkers in the European Championships in Helsinki 20k walk in 1hr 34:15.0, Pal Nihill from GB was 3rd in 1:27.38 and the the best international walker he admired won, called Nikolay Smaga (SU) in 1:27.20.
I met Bill for the second time out doing a training walk in Helsinki near the forests and lakes. I was having a run at the time while seeing the European Games!