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Betty Cuthbert

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Elizabeth Alyse Cuthbert Template:Post-nominals (20 April 1938 – 6 August 2017), was an Australian athlete and a four-time Olympic champion.<ref name="olympic">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> She was nicknamed Australia's "Golden Girl".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> During her career, she set world records for 60 metres, 100 yards, 200 metres, 220 yards and 440 yards. Cuthbert also contributed to Australian relay teams completing a win in the 4 × 100 metres, 4 × 110 yards, 4 × 200 metres and 4 × 220 yards. Cuthbert had a distinctive running style, with a high knee lift and mouth wide open.<ref name="Gordon">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> She was named in 1998 an Australian National Treasure and was inducted as a Legend in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Athletics Australia Hall of Fame in 2000.<ref name="sahof">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Early lifeEdit

Cuthbert was born to Leslie and Marion alongside her nonidentical<ref name="theaustralian1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> twin sister, Marie 'Midge'. She also had another sister, Jean and a brother, John.<ref name="ww">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="dt">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="australian" /><ref name="twin">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}and she had some kids and you do not want to know how to make kids</ref> Cuthbert was born 20 minutes before Marie.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> According to Midge, the twins were not alike, but very special to each other.<ref name="theaustralian1"/> The daughter of nursery owners, Cuthbert was born in Merrylands, New South Wales, and grew up in the Sydney suburb of Ermington, where she attended Ermington Public School.<ref>Anna (class 4S), Ermington Public School History Template:Webarchive, Ermington Public School Website (accessed 19 June 2006)</ref> Of her upbringing, Cuthbert stated "My parents always encouraged me and I had a good home life. We were always taught to respect things and other people."<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Marion attended church and sent her four children to Sunday school.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> As a teenager, Cuthbert attended Parramatta Home Science School. She left school at the age of 16 to work in the family nursery.<ref name="dt" />

Athletic careerEdit

File:Betty Cuthbert, Marlene Mathews, Heather Armitage, 1956 Olympics.jpg
Betty Cuthbert, 100 m final, 1956 Olympics

Cuthbert was a member of the Western Suburbs Athletic Club.<ref name=olympic/> At the age of 18, with the 1956 Summer Olympics to be held in Melbourne, Cuthbert set a World Record in the 200 metres, making her one of the favourites for a gold in that event. Cuthbert first reached the finals of the 100 metres, setting an Olympic record of 11.4 seconds in her heat (also her personal best), while the Australian world record holder Shirley Strickland was eliminated.

Cuthbert won the final and was then the big favourite for the 200 metres title. She lived up to the expectations and became the Australian "Golden Girl". A third gold medal for Cuthbert came when she ran the final leg on in the 4 × 100 metres final, which the Australian team won in a new world record.

During 1958 Cuthbert set world records for 100 and 220 yards but was beaten in both events by arch-rival and double-Olympic bronze medallist Marlene Mathews at the Australian Championships. Later in the year, at the 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Cardiff, Wales, Cuthbert could only place fourth in the 100y and second in the 220y, again behind Mathews.

She set a world record at 440 yards, which was broken in September 1959 by Maria Itkina of the Soviet Union.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In the lead-up to the 1960 Summer Olympics, in Rome, Cuthbert set a world 220 yards and 200 metres record of 23.2 seconds in winning the Australian championships. At the Rome Games, she suffered from injury and was eliminated from the quarterfinals of the 100 metres. Subsequently, she retired from the sport of track and field.

Her retirement did not last long, though, for she returned at the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Perth, Western Australia, helping Australia to a gold medal in the sprint relay.

Afterwards, she concentrated on the 400 metres, and she competed in that event in the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, when it was on the Olympic program for women for the first time. Though not impressive in the heats, Cuthbert won the title for her fourth Olympic gold medal, beating Ann Packer of Great Britain in an Olympic record of 52.01.<ref name=iaaf/> She is the only Olympian, male or female, to have won a gold medal in all sprint (running) events: 100, 200 and 400 metres. She subsequently verified her retirement for good after Tokyo. Also in 1964 she received the Helms Award for her sporting contributions.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

She was coached by June Ferguson, who was her physical education teacher in high school.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=dt/>

Personal lifeEdit

Cuthbert had multiple sclerosis from 1969 and in 2002 had a severe brain haemorrhage.<ref name="ny">Template:Cite news</ref> She stated that, despite her MS, she never once asked God 'Why me?', and instead "knew that God wanted her to use it to help other people."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 1985, Cuthbert became a born-again Christian at the age of 47.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Always believing she was a Christian, the speaker at a public rally said there were private-practising Christians present. She felt compelled to publicly declare her faith in Jesus. From then on, Cuthbert tried to share the good news of Jesus with as many people as possible.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> She did, however, initially want to be healed of her MS, and someone encouraged her to go to church where she could be healed. She claimed she went, looking for healing, instead of the Healer. In her own words: "I found out about the healer, and then I couldn't care less about the healing. That's the best thing. I get so much joy out of it and I want to tell other people about it. I think that's why I was meant to come back to the Olympics in 1964 because now I'm well known and it helps me to tell people about Jesus."<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Following her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis, Cuthbert became a dedicated advocate for the disease and was an important player in the creation of MS Research Australia, attending the organisation's 2004 inauguration alongside then-PM John Howard. She was a tireless campaigner for national awareness of the disease, and, following her death in 2017, was credited by CEO of MS Research Australia, Dr. Matthew Miles, as having had an incredible impact on Australia's recognition and understanding of MS.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In 1991, Cuthbert left her home state, New South Wales, for Western Australia, where she settled in Mandurah.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Cuthbert was one of the bearers of the Olympic Torch at the Opening Ceremony of the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Sitting in a wheelchair and accompanied by Raelene Boyle, she carried the Olympic Torch at the stadium, as one of the runners for the final segment, before the lighting of the Olympic Flame by Cathy Freeman.<ref>Template:YouTube. Names visible on the big screen at 5:42.</ref>

Cuthbert died in 2017, aged 79,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> in Mandurah.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> She never married or had children.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Rhonda Gillam, a 78-year-old West Australian mother-of-three, devoted the last 26 years of her life to caring for Cuthbert.<ref name="australian">Template:Cite news</ref> Gillam stated that Cuthbert's MS also took her hearing.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Cuthbert's twin sister, Midge Johnston, stated that Betty had been struggling with dementia in recent years, worrying that Betty would not remember her, but Betty always said "Midge, of course I remember you."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Post-deathEdit

The day after her death, there was a minute's silence before the start of competition at the 2017 World Athletics Championships in London, and Australian athletes were granted permission by the International Association of Athletics Federations to wear black armbands in competition.<ref name="westaust">Template:Cite news</ref> Cuthbert was the only Australian among the 10 inaugural inductees to the IAAF Hall of Fame in 2012.<ref name=westaust/> There were many tributes to Cuthbert's career and life from significant Australians:

  • Cathy Freeman: Betty is an inspiration and her story will continue to inspire Australian athletes for generations to come. I'm so happy I got to meet such a tremendous and gracious role model, and Olympic champion.<ref name="gleeson">Template:Cite news</ref>
  • Marlene Matthews: I have never met anyone that had such great faith and determination. It was this faith that kept her going for so long and through the most difficult times.<ref name="sbs" />
  • John Coates: Betty battled her illness for many years and showed tremendous courage, but more importantly she always managed to smile. Betty was a member of a unique band of athletes who inspired thousands of Australians.<ref name="sbs" />
  • Malcolm Turnbull: Rest in Peace Betty Cuthbert – an inspiration and a champion on and off the track.<ref name="gleeson" />
  • Bill Shorten: Rest in peace Betty Cuthbert, forever a golden girl.<ref name="sbs">Template:Cite news</ref>

Cuthbert's funeral was held on 16 August 2017 in Mandurah and her body was cremated at Fremantle Cemetery.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Several hundred were present, including Margaret Court, Raelene Boyle, and Marjorie Jackson. Dawn Fraser (whom Cuthbert handed the Olympic Torch to during the opening ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympics) gave a speech.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Her twin sister, Midge, lit a candle of remembrance; and niece and nephew, Louise and Peter, also gave speeches.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> A public memorial service for Cuthbert was held on 21 August 2017, at the Sydney Cricket Ground.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Tributes were led by broadcaster Alan Jones and Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce. Also in attendance were former athletes Norma Fleming and Marlene Matthews.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Personal bestsEdit

Personal bests – outdoor
Event Time Wind City Date
60 metres 7.2 +0.6 Sydney 27 February 1960
100 yards 10.4 0.0 Sydney 1 March 1958
100 metres 11.4 Melbourne 24 November 1956
200 metres 23.2 No wind Sydney 16 September 1956
220 yards 23.2 Under 2.0 Hobart 7 March 1960
400 metres 52.01 - Tokyo 17 October 1964
440 yards 53.3 - Brisbane 23 March 1963

World recordsEdit

Cuthbert achieved 14 world records during her career comprising 10 individual and four relays. In addition she set a number of world best, including unclaimed records, and metric distance bests.

Individual – manual and electronic timingEdit

Event Time Wind Event City Date
60 metres 7.2 0.6+ NSW Championships Sydney, New South Wales 27 February 1960<ref name="iaaf">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="aarecord">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

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100 yards 10.4 0.0 NSW Championships Sydney, New South Wales 1 March 1958<ref name=iaaf/><ref name=aarecord/>
220 yards 23.6 Under 2.0 National Perth, Western Australia 18 January 1958<ref name=iaaf/><ref name=aarecord/>
220 yards 23.5 1.2+ NSW Championships Sydney, New South Wales 8 March 1958<ref name=iaaf/><ref name=aarecord/>
220 yards 23.2 Under 2.0 Australian Championships Hobart, Tasmania 7 March 1960<ref name=iaaf/><ref name=aarecord/>
200 metres 23.2 No wind Pre-Olympic Test Sydney, New South Wales 16 September 1956<ref name=iaaf/><ref name=aarecord/>
440 yards 55.6 - National Sydney, New South Wales 17 January 1959<ref name=iaaf/><ref name=aarecord/>
440 yards 54.3 - International Sydney, New South Wales 21 March 1959<ref name=iaaf/><ref name=aarecord/>
440 yards 53.5 - Moomba Carnival Melbourne, Victoria 11 March 1963<ref name=iaaf/><ref name=aarecord/>
440 yards 53.3 - Australian Championships Brisbane, Queensland 23 March 1963<ref name=iaaf/><ref name=aarecord/>

Team – manual and electronic timingEdit

Event Time Wind Event City Date Other team members
4 × 100 metres 44.9 - Olympic Games Melbourne, Victoria 1 December 1956 Shirley Strickland, Norma Croker, Fleur Mellor<ref name=iaaf/><ref name=aarecord/>
4 × 100 metres 44.5 - Olympic Games Melbourne, Victoria 1 December 1956 Shirley Strickland, Norma Croker, Fleur Mellor<ref name=iaaf/><ref name=aarecord/>
4 × 110 yards 45.6 - Australian Championships Sydney, New South Wales 5 December 1956 Shirley Strickland, Norma Croker, Fleur Mellor<ref name=iaaf/><ref name=aarecord/>
4 × 220 yards 1:36.3 - Australia v USA v Commonwealth Sydney, New South Wales 5 December 1956 Marlene Matthews, Norma Croker, Fleur Mellor<ref name=iaaf/><ref name=aarecord/>

HonoursEdit

File:Betty Cuthbert.jpg
Statue of Betty Cuthbert outside the Melbourne Cricket Ground

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  • 2010 – Betty Cuthbert had a rose named after her<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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  • 2012 – Inaugural inductee of the IAAF Hall of Fame<ref name="ESPNHoF">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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|CitationClass=web }}</ref> This makes them the first female athletes added to the bronze sculptures in the Sydney Cricket Ground precinct.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

  • The main street of Ermington shopping centre is named Betty Cuthbert Avenue in her honour<ref>Gregory's Street Directory, 59th Edition 1995, Map 310 B2</ref>
  • Betty Cuthbert Grandstand at Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre
  • 2018 – Made a Companion of the Order of Australia for "For eminent service to athletics at the national and international level, particularly as a gold medallist at the Melbourne and Tokyo Olympic Games, and as a role model, fundraiser, and advocate for research into a cure for multiple sclerosis."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Notable athletics achievementsEdit

  • At the time of her death, she was the youngest ever 200 m gold medallist in Olympic history.
  • She won a gold medal at the inaugural Australian All Schools in 1951.
  • Cuthbert was the first Australian Olympian to win three gold medals at a Games (Murray Rose achieved this later in the 1956 Games).
  • Cuthbert is the only athlete to win the 100, 200 and 400 m at the Olympic Games.

BooksEdit

There are two books on Cuthbert's life: Golden girl as told to Jim Webster (1966) and Golden girl : an autobiography by Betty Cuthbert (2000).

ReferencesEdit

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External linksEdit

{{#invoke:Navbox|navbox}} {{#invoke:Navbox|navbox}} {{#invoke:Navbox|navbox}} Template:Footer Olympic Champions 4x100 m Women Template:IAAF Hall of Fame Template:Footer New Zealand NC 100 m women Template:Footer New Zealand NC 200 m women Template:Authority control

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