Marty and everybody, It is appalling to name Cathy Freeman the arguably greatest ever Australian athlete. She does not even get close to measuring up with Ron Clarke, a man who broke numerous world records (she broke none) and revolutionized our idea of what can be achieved in 10,000 m run, slicing 36 seconds of the WR in 1965. Nor can she be compared with superstars like Shirley Strickland- De La Hunty, the only person in history who broke WRS in both the 100 meters and the high hurdle race (in the latter- the distance then was 80m, not 100, she also won back-to- back Olympic gold medals in 1952 and 1956), Betty Cuthbert, Quadruple Olympic champion: winner of the 100 and 200m and the 4 by 100m relay (in WR time) in 1956 and incredibly the 400 meters 8 years later, in Tokyo 1964, (clocking 52.01) and was the only woman in the entire history of the sports to win sprint golds in all 3 events). And finally: Marjorie Jackson, sprint queen of athletics in the early 1950s, world record holder as well and double gold medal winner in Helsinki 1952.
Australian sports expert would laugh at the thought of placing Freeman in the same line with any of these women. I have not mentioned Raylene Boyle and other greats in Australian athletics, and there is an excellent book on Australian athletics written by Paul Jenes, current president of the ATFS (Association of Track and Field Statisticians), for those interested in learning about it in more depth. Highly recommended reading of a nation that in the past excelled far beyond the size of its population. Freeman was devastated by the euphoria surrounding her after the Sydney Olympics, lost her family and now also what could have been left of her career. A sad sight, but not a reason to artificially lift her to the top of Australian athletics all-time. Uri Goldbourt Quoting "Post, Marty" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>: > Cathy Freeman, Australia's greatest athlete in recent history and arguably > its greatest ever, has quit the sport. Saying simply "my heart's not in it", > Freeman told Australian athletics head coach Keith Connor of her decision in > London yesterday. "I've lost that want, that desire, that passion, that > drive," said. "I don't care any more." > > > More at: > > http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/07/15/1058035006894.html > ------------------------------------------------- This mail sent through IMP: http://horde.org/imp/
