In 1956, at the Olympic Games in Melbourne, Betty Cuthbert became the first Australian athlete to win a gold medal on Australian soil. In fact, Cuthbert won gold in three track and field events at these Olympics: the 100 metres, 200 metres and the 4x100 metre relay. She made a winning return to form at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, taking gold in the 400 metres. She has achieved 16 world records. In the 1970s, Cuthbert was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and began actively campaigning for research funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Her autobiography, Golden Girl, has been printed in two editions.

In 1965, Cuthbert was appointed as a Member of the Order of the British Empire, for athletics in New South Wales. She was later appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (1 January 1984), and awarded the Australian Sports Medal (8 February 2000).

Events

1956

Gold Medalist at the Melbourne Olympic Games - Athletics - 100m sprint, 200m sprint, 4 x 100m Relay

1960

Participated at the Rome Olympics

1962

Gold Medalist at Perth Empire and Commonwealth Games - Athletics - 4 x 110y Relay

1964

Gold Medalist at the Tokyo Olympic Games - Athletics - 400m event

Sources used to compile this entry: Brasch, Nicolas, Great Australian Women in Sport, Heinemann, Port Melbourne (Vic.), 1997, 32 pp; Macklin, Robert, 100 great Australians, Currey O'Neil Ross, South Yarra, Vic., 1983, 248 pp.