In the early 2000s a national newspaper ran a readers' poll seeking the most memorable television moment in New Zealand sports history. Dick Tayler's 10,000m victory at the 1974 Christchurch Commonwealth Games was an overwhelming winner.
That moment had everything. It was unexpected - the three Englishmen, including world record-holder David Bedford, and the three Kenyans were the favourites. It was on a big stage - the first day of athletics at the Christchurch Commonwealth Games was a truly international occasion. It was televised live and, a bonus, it was one of the first coloured transmissions in New Zealand.
Best of all, the winner was so genuinely shocked and delighted with what he'd done that onlookers, those at the Queen Elizabeth II stadium and those watching television, could not help but be delighted.
Tayler, a 25-year-old athlete who had laboured in the long shadows of Dick Quax, Rod Dixon and the emerging John Walker, simply could not contain his excitement. After he crossed the finish line, he thrust his arms in the air and leapt with delight. Then he collapsed on his back on the track and rolled over with excitement, before getting to his feet and showing the world the biggest smile imaginable.
That gold medal run, and the joyous scenes afterwards, launched a remarkable Commonwealth Games, and turned Tayler into an overnight celebrity.