The Southampton-based athletics coach with the Midas Touch has passed away.

Star-maker Mike Smith, 88, died at the weekend after a short illness.

Smith guided 30 athletes to medals at major championships including the likes of Kriss Akabusi, Roger Black, Iwan Thomas, Todd Bennett and Donna Hartley.

Smith presided over a golden era where sub-45-second clockings by British athletes were regular events and which included Black and Akabusi contributing to a famous 4x400m victory over the United States at the 1991 World Championships in Tokyo.

Akabusi still holds the UK record for 400m hurdles today, while Black went on to win 400m silver at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996, in addition to winning European and Commonwealth titles.

Thomas continues to hold the UK 400m record, while Bennett won the European indoor 400m title and Hartley won the 1978 Commonwealth women’s 400m crown.

During his half century as a coach, Smith held a variety of prominent posts within UK governing bodies such as secretary of the Southern Counties coaching committee during the 1970s and 1980s.

He was also national 400m coordinator for UKA and chairman of UKA’s speed management group.

In more recent years Smith remained active as a coach and was feted at the England Athletics awards – being inducted into the governing body’s hall of fame in 2011 – in addition to earning the UK Athletics coach of the year award in 2009.

He was also a contributor to Athletics Weekly where he passed on his considerable knowledge to the next generation of athletes.

In an interview in 2007, he was asked what his five golden rules of coaching were and he replied: “The skill factor - most children run, jump and throw by nature. Capitalise on this and develop skills.

"Secondly, never stop learning – every session, every lecture, every observation can bring something new. There are none as blind as those who do not want to see because they already know it all.

"Thirdly, know your athlete. Everyone is different and needs to be treated as an individual.

“Fourthly, as an athlete matures, instil the work ethic. The day of the naturally talented dilettante who does not need to work has gone. Talent plus hard work is a recipe for success.

"Finally, enjoyment and a sense of achievement.”