7 August 2017 – Media Release
Cumberland Council will mark the passing of Merrylands born sporting icon Elizabeth “Betty” Cuthbert AM, MBE by lowering flags to half-mast at all civic buildings on Tuesday 8 August.
The daughter of local nursery owners was dubbed Australia’s “golden girl” after winning three gold medals at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. She came back from injury to win a fourth gold medal at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
Cumberland Council Interim General Manager Malcolm Ryan said the four times gold medallist was an inspiration to all Australians for her example on and off the track.
“There is a story that Betty Cuthbert didn’t expect to qualify for the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and instead bought tickets as a spectator,” Mr Ryan said.
“Not only did she qualify, she went on to win three gold medals in Melbourne and ran her way into Australia’s heart as the original ‘golden girl.’
“During her athletics career she held 16 world records. Her blistering personal best of 11.4 seconds over 100m is still a daunting challenge for today’s sprinters to beat.
“However Betty Cuthbert was so much more than fast. She represented what was best about Australia to the world and inspired a generation of athletes to win and win graciously.
“In 1964 Betty Cuthbert was awarded the prestigious Helms Award for her contribution to sport. She is a member of the Athletics Australia Hall of Fame and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Hall of Fame.
“Betty Cuthbert was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis for the first time in 1969. In one of the defining images of the 2000 Olympics, Cuthbert carried the Olympic flame through the stadium in a wheelchair with other female sporting greats.
“Betty Cuthbert was defined by her commitment to excellence, generosity towards others and tenacity in the face of setback.
“Her death is not only a loss to Cumberland but all of Australia. Flags across Cumberland will fly at half-mast tomorrow to commemorate the death of our local hero and Australia’s golden girl – Betty Cuthbert.”
