MICHAEL Wheeler was not just a star on the Dorset running tracks where his Athletics career began, but around the world too.

His undeniable talent and passion for running is what propelled him towards local and worldwide success.

Michael attended Taunton Private School and was quickly recognised as an exceptional runner.

At the age of 17, Michael was entered into the London Athletics English Schools Championships at White City Stadium, where he won the 100 yard and 440 yard races in record time.

This was just the beginning of Michael's record-breaking career, as in 1954 he set a stadium record for the quarter of a mile race in Portsmouth and in 1955 was asked to run for England in Holland where he won the 400m race.

Following this success, Michael returned home and entered the British Championships in London where he became joint 400m record holder with a time of 47.7 seconds.

Amongst his plethora of achievements and busy timetable Michael decided to take up a post as a teacher at Castle Court School in Corfe Mullen, sharing his experience and words of wisdom with students and budding athletes alike.

Teaching, however, didn't reduce Michael's passion for running.

He represented Great Britain in Russia and broke yet another British world record, this time for the 400m.

Michael completed the race in a remarkable time of 47.4 seconds.

As a result of his hard work and continuous success, Michael was voted Bournemouth Sportsman of the Year by readers of the local paper.

He also won Team of the Year award on the BBC Sportsman of the Year programme as a member of the GB athletics team.

Michael's busy year didn't end there as he was later asked to compete in the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne.

Due to there being no specific place for him to train, Michael used the zig zag pathway at Bournemouth Beach.

He jogged down and sprinted back up the pathway 10-12 times a night.

His training and hard work paid off as the 400m relay team won Bronze at the 1956 Olympics.

It was after the Olympics that Michael decided to take a step back from athletics and entirely focus on his teaching career, beginning a diploma course in 1957.

Michael was a teacher for over 40 years, becoming a Deputy Headmaster in the latter years of his career.

He made a significant impact in the world of education as well as sport, inspiring many of his students.

One of Michael's students who went on to become Headmaster at Castle Court, said: "A teacher’s inspiration can stretch to influencing someone throughout their life. Michael Wheeler, an Olympic Bronze winning athlete who taught me at Castle Court was one such person.

"He taught me that anything was possible, that you should strive that little bit harder and set goals for the things that you desire."

After focusing on his teaching career, Michael was lured back to the Bournemouth Athletic Club in 1965 where he continued to smash records.

He impressively still holds the record at the Bournemouth Athletic Club for the 400m with a time of 47.7 seconds.

Unfortunately Michael's athletic career came to an end after he sustained an Achilles injury.

However, Michael's achievements in life weren't limited to his success in athletics and education.

His eldest daughter Nicola emphasised his brilliance as a father as well as an athlete and teacher.

She said: "My dad was an incredible man. He brought me up from the age of four alone and always included me.

"He touched everyone he met and had a huge impact on people."

Michael Keith Valentine Wheeler was born on February 14 1935 and died on January 15 2020.

He was cremated in his Olympics blazer, a reminder of one of his many achievements in his profound life.