Paul Collins (1926-1995), British violinist, runner, Alexander Technique teacher, and Head of Training.
Life
Paul Collins was born in London and raised in Canada. He was educated at Acadia University, but being a a violin prodigy from an early age, he attended the Julliard Graduate School, and Yale music school. He returned to London where he studied with Professor Max Rostal at the Guildhall School of Music, London, and joined the New Music Ensemble. From the age of 14 he also pursued a career as a long-distance runner. He was Canadian marathon champion three times, 1949–52, and he represented Canada in the Olympic Marathon of 1952. Injury forced him out of competitions for the next 29 years.
He initially had lessons in the Alexander Technique to help his violin playing, and went on to train with Walter Carrington 1967–70.
Later – with knowledge of the Alexander Technique – he established ten new veteran world records for endurance events beyond the marathon: 100 miles, 200 miles, 300 miles, 400 miles, and for 24 hours, 48 hours and six days.
He ran a teachers training course in London together with Elizabeth Collins (also Rajna, later Langford), ‘The School of Alexander Studies’, around 1976–79.[1]
Writings
A single article, ‘Style in walking and running – A re-education problem’,[2] is initially about teaching a young marathon runner the Technique, but progresses into a discussion of how consent provides unity between thought and action.
Obituaries
- ‘Paul Collins’ by Elizabeth Langford.[3]
- ‘Paul Collins’ by Lynn Collins.[4]
- ‘Paul Collins’ by Chris Stevens.[5]
- ‘Notable musician and a renowned athlete’ reproduced from Somerset County Gazette in STATNews.[6]
Remembrances
Paul Collins *22 July 1926 – †31 January 1995.
