From the Mirror archives

September 12, 1960

Today’s photo shows racewalker Don Thompson on his triumphant return to the UK from the Rome Olympics, where he was the only British male athlete to win a gold medal in the 50km walk. The unassuming maths teacher practised by exercising in a steam-filled bathroom with a heater turned up. He would often feel faint after half an hour, which he attributed to the affects of the heat and humidity, but later realised it was carbon monoxide fumes from the paraffin heater.