Athletics Australia is proud to announce the inauguration of the Betty Cuthbert Medal, at this week’s Australian Athletics Championships & Nomination Trial on the Gold Coast.
The inaugural winner of the Betty Cuthbert Medal will be awarded at Sunday night’s Athletics Australia Gala Dinner.
The Medal respects and recognises the extraordinary athletic achievements of the four-time Olympic gold medalist who passed away in 2017 after a long and courageous battle with multiple sclerosis. It will be awarded annually to the athlete, female or male, who is judged to have produced the most outstanding single performance in the open events at each year’s Australian Athletics Championships.
Athletics Australia President Mark Arbib said that it was most appropriate that the sport had taken this step.
“We are fortunate to have a rich history in Australian athletics, and it’s important we honour our greats – especially one such as Betty who enjoyed such a special career,†he said.
“The Board was delighted to sign-off on this fine recognition.â€
A panel selected each year by the Athletics Australia Awards Committee will determine the recipient. The panel for the first award will comprise AA board member Anne Lord, fellow Australian representative and Athletics International secretary, Lynne Williams and athletics writer John Salvado (AAP).
Betty Cuthbert (AC) won gold medals in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne and then made a comeback to the sport to win the first women’s Olympic gold medal at 400m eight years later. She set or was part of relay teams which established 14 world records.
The 2018 Australian Athletics Championship & Nomination Trial takes place at Carrara Stadium, February 15-18.
