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THIS IS YOUR LIFE - Precious McKenzie, weightlifter, was surprised by Eamonn Andrews - with the help of strongman Geoff Capes - at Al Murray's gym in the City of London, having been led to believe he was taking part in a different programme.

Precious, who was born in Durban, South Africa, took up weightlifting after his early ambition to become an acrobat ended due to the country's race laws. He became South African champion at the age of 19, within two years of starting to train, but was barred from representing his country at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome because of South Africa's apartheid regime.

He moved to Britain in 1964, and after being granted citizenship, he went on to represent England at three consecutive Commonwealth Games - winning Gold medals at the 1966 games in Jamaica, the 1970 games in Edinburgh, and the 1974 games in Christchurch.

"I don't believe it!"

programme details...

• Edition No: 409
• Subject No: 407
• Broadcast date: Wed 2 Apr 1975
• Broadcast time: 7.00-7.30pm
• Recorded: Fri 14 Mar 1975
• Venue: Euston Road Studios
• Series: 15
• Edition: 22
• Code name: Metal

on the guest list...

• Geoff Capes
• Elizabeth - wife
• Sandra - daughter
• Vanessa - daughter
• Quinton - son
• David Hemery
• Mary Peters
• Richard Meade
• John Conteh
• Gloria - sister
• Brian Huft
• Chris de Broglio
• Wally Holland
• John McNiven
• Alan Winterbourne
• Ron Collins
• Mike Pearman
• Tony Ford
• George Manners
• John Burns
• Andy Kerr
• John Lear
• Leslie - brother
Filmed tribute:
• Denis Howell

related appearance...

• Geoffrey Capes - Feb 1980

production team...

• Researcher: Jack Piler
• Writer: John Sandilands
• Director: Robert Reed
• Producer: Jack Crawshaw

• names above in bold indicate subjects of This Is Your Life

Going for Gold

celebrating the world's best

John Conteh

David Hemery

Mary Peters

Screenshots of Precious McKenzie This Is Your Life