British Olympian dies aged 56 after suffering heart attack
Sports news: British Olympian John Nuttall has died at the age of 56
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British Olympian John Nuttall has died at the age of 56 after suffering a heart attack.
The former distance runner competed for Great Britain in the 5,000 metres at Atalanta 1996.
He also represented his country at the 1993 and 1995 World Championships, too, and won bronze for England at the Commonwealth Games at Victoria 1994.
Nuttall later became a successful elite coach and supported British endurance runners prior to the London 2012 Olympics.
John Nuttall competed for Great Britain during the 1990s
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He had, prior to his death, been working with wife Liz McColgan at the Doha Athletic Club in Qatar.
McColgan was an athlete herself during the 1990s and was crowned 10,000m world champion back in 1991.
She announced the death of her husband on social media, saying: "It is with great sadness and a heavy heart I write this.
Nuttall previously married British distance runner Alison Wyeth before the pair split.
He has two children from that marriage, with Hannah Nuttall and Luke Nuttall currently running for Great Britain.
His step-daughter is Eilish McColgan, who is the Commonwealth 10,000m champion.
UK Athletics have reacted to the news and said they are 'deeply saddened' by Nuttall's passing.
"Everyone at UKA is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our former colleague John Nuttall.
"His loss is felt deeply by friends and collegues here at UKA who worked alongside and knew John.
"Our thoughts are very much with his family and close friends at this time."
Fans on Twitter have wished the Nuttall family well, with one saying: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of John Nuttall.
"We offer our condolences to his family and friends."
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Sport news: John Nuttall (pictured left) has died of a heart attack at the age of 56
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A second said: "RIP John Nuttall. Great athlete, great coach, great guy.
"Sending much [love] to his nearest and dearest at this sad time."
And a third said: "So, so sad to hear about John Nuttall. Heartbroken for his family and those closest to him.
"John was a good friend and colleague who always made me laugh.
"A brilliant person to have around and one of the best teammates. Cheers to you John, you’ll be missed."
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