[2] After missing the 1980 Summer Olympics due to the boycott[3] Dixon took third place at the 1982 IAAF World Cross Country Championships.

Unable to compete due to an injury, Dixon guided a blind runner in the 1985 Bay to Breakers.

[6] At the 1985 New York Marathon, Dixon served as the first host for the participatory "Helmet Cam" as he followed the lead pack for a mile during the race.

[6][7] The boycott[3] of the 1980 Summer Olympics led to Dixon becoming embroiled in a savage row with the NZ Amateur Athletic Association.

Dixon felt that the New Zealand government had no business meddling in the Olympic Games and the athletes should have been consulted and been part of the decision-making process.