OLYMPIC sprinter Ian Mackie has paid tribute to John MacDonald for making his "dreams come true" after his former coach died last week.

Legendary Pitreavie Amateur Athletics Club stalwart John, 89, died in Fort William on Saturday while on a short family break and West Fife's athletics community has been united in grief at his death.

John, who was the winner of Dunfermline and West Fife Sports Council's Coach of the Year award in February, has had an association with the club spanning decades and was still coaching young stars of the future, including Jack Lawrie.

He memorably mentored daughter Linsey to a 4x400 metres bronze medal at the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow – Pitreavie's first ever Olympian – and also coached Mackie as he reached the 100m semi-finals in Atlanta in 1996.

Devastated Mackie, 41, who was also selected for the Sydney Olympics four years later, told the Press: "I've known John since I was 13, so that's 27 years. I joined his training group and he took me to two Olympic Games, two World Championships and a Commonwealth Games, and at junior level, gold in the World Championship 4x100m relay and bronze in the 200m.

"He saw my potential and allowed me to make my dreams come true in sport and life through his expert coaching. I always trusted him and, after a couple of years with him, I started running well and I never looked back.

"He did so much for some many people and coached so many junior internationals and a few at senior level but everyone was treated the same. He knew how to motivate you and to encourage you, was very enthusiastic and was an amazing role model.

"He was a very active man and was there at every training session in all kinds of weather. At Pitreavie, he was part of the furniture and an integral part of the club. He was keen to see young athletes do well and he had a huge impact on his current generation, who I know will be devastated.

"For me, it won't be the same at Pitreavie. When I came out and beat Linford Christie and Donovan Bailey, who was the world record holder at the time, it wouldn't have happened without John. I popped by to see him on Thursday for a chat but didn't realise he was away for a few days with Linsey. Everyone is shocked and sad."

Pitreavie AAC president Paul Allan said: "John was well known to everyone as one of the club’s top coaches, timekeeper and father to Olympian Linsey.

"John inspired so many athletes over the years, taking many to Scottish, British and international honours. On top of that he was a great mentor to many of our younger coaches. He will be sadly missed by everyone at the club as well as the wider athletic community."

Former Commonwealth Games athlete Gemma Sharp added: "Devastated to hear about John MacDonald. Will never be the same down at the track without him."

John's daughter, Linsey, was just 16 when she travelled to Moscow after setting a British junior 400m record of 51.16 seconds and she went on to finish eighth in the final as well as winning relay bronze. She also won a 4x400m relay bronze in the 1982 Commonwealth Games.

Speaking to the Press after picking up his Coach of the Year accolade earlier this year, humble John said: "I didn't expect this – I kept thinking that there is surely someone else more deserving than me!"

John, who is survived by daughters Linsey and Rhona, son John and his grandchildren and great grandchildren, will be laid to rest at Townhill Parish Church next Thursday at 1.45pm.