Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains the image and name of a person who has died, with the permission of their family.

Thirty years ago, Alby Clarke got a shock message: either get healthy or die young.

Sixty years old at the time, the respected Gunditjmara elder took this directive to the extreme.

He transformed into a long-distance runner and cyclist, using his endurance feats to advocate for Indigenous reconciliation and health.

Also known for his flash of electric blue hair and mischievous grin, Mr Clarke died aged 90 last month, on September 16.

From poor health to endurance athlete

Mr Clarke was born in Melbourne in 1934 but relocated with his family to the Framlingham Aboriginal Reserve, near Warrnambool, as a 10-year-old when his fat

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