Sports stars pay tribute to athletics coach who 'conquered the world'

Javelin gold medallist Tessa Sanderson and Rotherham-born Peter Elliott, a silver medal winner in the 1,500 metres, joined another medal-winning javelin thrower, Leeds's Mick Hill, and shot put legend Geoff Capes at the service at St Oswald's church in Guiseley, Leeds.

As well as coaching top stars, Mr Paish attended nine Olympic Games, eight as part of the Great Britain squad. He also taught those of more modest talent from his base at the Carnegie Sports Centre in Leeds.

He was regarded within athletics for his knowledge of the sport, his enthusiasm and his unselfish approach.

Though he retired from international coaching in 1996 he was still coaching youngsters until two weeks before his death, aged 77, on January 29.

Paying tribute yesterday, Tessa Sanderson, whom he guided to an Olympic title in Los Angeles in 1984, said she had much to thank him for.

"During that time I was with Wilf, there was so much wealth of experience and fun. He cared for me and nurtured me like he did for his own children."

Recalling winning Olympic gold, she said: "We did it together. We had conquered the world and achieved our dream - a dream we had worked and fought for for years."

When not coaching, Mr Paish was a teacher in Essex and Slough, where he met Margaret, his wife of 52 years, before moving to Leeds in 1964 when he was appointed national athletics coach for the north of England.

His finest hour came in Los Angeles 26 years ago with Sanderson's surprise victory.

In 2005, he was made an MBE for his services to sport.

He is survived by his wife Margaret, their two daughters and twin granddaughters.