Former New Zealand sprinter Don Jowett, a Commonwealth Games gold medalist, died yesterday aged 80 after a short illness.

A talented sprinter, Jowett won bronze over 220 yards at the 1950 Auckland Commonwealth Games, stepping up four years later in Vancouver to take gold over the same distance. He also picked up a silver in the 440 yards at the Vancouver Games.

Jowett also played on the wing for the Otago rugby team when they took the Ranfurly Shield off Wellington in 1957.

Jowett later shifted to Australia, and was treasurer of both the Queensland Rugby Union and Queensland Athletics for 13 years.

He was the track referee for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, assistant track referee at the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games and chairman of the jury for the 2006 Melbourne Games.

Jowett was a successful senior coach in athletics and rugby and a founder member of the Australian Track and Field Coaches Association.

He also refereed a number of international rugby matches involving Queensland and overseas touring teams.

Jowett is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son.

- NZPA