But Arch Jelley was joined by about 40 friends, family and athletics dignitaries to mark a special occasion for the athletic coaching great.
The former Dunedin man was made a life member of Athletics New Zealand in a special ceremony at his retirement village in Auckland this week.
"I was rather surprised when I heard that I was to be made a life member," Jelley said.
"And it’s something, you know, I hadn’t really thought about, but it’s a great honour."
Jelley, who was nominated by longtime friend Murray McKinnon, has been a coaching pioneer, helping countless athletes reach the Olympics and Commonwealth Games and break national records.
He has also been a pioneer for women in athletics and said it was "tremendous" to see just as many female athletes involved today.
Jelley, a former teacher and principal, began coaching in 1959 and guided more than 100 middle-distance runners through their careers.
Among his achievements is helping John Walker win gold in the 1500m at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal.
Jelley, who officially retired after the Rio Olympics in 2016, was made a companion of the New Zealand order of merit in the 2021 New Years honours, and was among the first to be inducted into the Athletics New Zealand coaches hall of fame.
Outside of athletics, Jelley served in the military during World War 2 and is a keen bridge player and tutor.
