| SHIRLEY STRICKLAND DE
LA HUNTY
Born at Guildford in Perth in 1925, Shirley Strickland grew up on the wheat fields of north-eastern Western Australia. Her father, David, was a former goldfields worker who took to professional foot-racing when he was chosen to represent Australia at the Paris Olympics of 1900 subject to paying his own fares. The sadness of not being able to raise the money forced him to turn professional and on Easter Monday 1900 he won the Stawell Gift. He later pioneered farming at East Pithara. Shirley Strickland's early education was by correspondence, but she later attended Northam High School, where, beginning in 1939, she won forty-seven out of forty-nine events as a schoolgirl athlete. After high school she entered the University of Western Australia where she graduated as a Bachelor of Science with honors in physics. In her spare time, she lectured mathematics and physics to returned servicemen at Perth Technical College, played wing in the university hockey team and gained a reputation as an extremely gifted sprinter and hurdler. While teaching at Perth Technical College, Austin Robertson, a former world professional sprint champion and South Melbourne footballer coached her. She improved her 100 yards times from 11.8 to 11.0 flat. At the 1947 Western Australia state titles she won the 100 yards , 220 yards, 440 yards, the 90 yards hurdles and the shot put!
Lot A: The entire Shirley Strickland collection as described and illustrated in this catalogue may be offered as one lot. To be a recognized bidder on "Lot A" you (or your organization) must register your interest in writing no later than 48 hours before the auction. [i.e. 7.00pm E.S.T. Monday, 16th April, 2001]. No bid for Lot A will be accepted from an unregistered party. Charles Leski Auctions Pty Ltd may require a deposit or written guarantee from parties wishing to be "recognized" for bidding on Lot A. Our normal Terms & Conditions of Sale apply to all other lots offered in this catalogue.
THE EARLY YEARS
Lot 1. Group of High School & University trophies and cups (9) comprising: - N.H.S. (Northam High School), Alice Harris Cup, S.Strickland, 1938 N.H.S. Staff Cup, 1939, Champion Girl Athlete, Shirley Strickland N.H.S. Junior Chmp Girl, 1940, S.Strickland N.H.S. Staff Cup, Champion Girl Athlete, 1940, Shirley Strickland Northam High School, Alice Harris Cup 1941, S.Strickland N.H.S. 1942, Staff Cup, Shirley Strickland U.W.H.C. 1947, S.Strickland S.Strickland, Relay, Fremantle, 1947 plus one other, without engraving. & Photographs (5). $5,000 - $6,000
1934 (28 June) School Report (2 pages) WA Education Department, Correspondence Classes 1938 (12 Sept) letter from Shirley in CWA Hostel in Northam to her parents, "We had a terrible war scare this morning Britain has declared an ultimatum to Germany". 1938 (undated) letter from Shirley in CWA Hostel in Northam to her father, "My cup is down being engraved. It is free of course, and with luck I should have it to bring home with me. I don't know whether I will get other cups, I hope so." 1941 (15 Feb) WA Certificate of Merit _ Third in the 50 Yards Junior. 1943 (4 June) letter from Shirley at University to her family, mentions playing hockey and a Geology excursion. 1944 (8 June) Airgraph from University of Reading, Berkshire, UK, to Shirley, certifying that she was admitted as a student of the Institute of Physics. 1945 (25 Oct) letter from University of WA, Crawley, to Shirley, advising that the Colours Committee have awarded her a Full Blue for her performance in the 50yds, 75yds and 220yds women's events. 1946 (Sept) issue No.1 of "Scope" [A journal of science published by the science union, University of WA] with article on Cosmic Rays by S.Strickland, BSc. 1947 (Jan) WA Certificates of Merit (2) _ 1st in 100 Yards, 1st in 440 yards, 1st in 90 Yards Hurdles, 1st in 220 Yards, 1st in Discus & 2nd in Shot Put at the Western Australian Championships. 1947 (27 Jan) WA Record Certificate _ 220 Yards, Record established 25.8 Seconds. also Range of press clippings & newspaper articles. 1925 magazine "The Sphere", 1927-28 Auckland Amateur Athletic & Cycle Club, Jubilee Souvenir, Athletic Recorder & Official Programme (faults). [Note _ W.Strickland 440 yds Champion 1899-1900]. 1932 Official Programme, Xth Olympiad Los Angeles USA (cover repaired). "Deutschland Olympia Jahr 1936", signed by Shirley Strickland. "Panoramic Photographic Pictures _ Sydney & Vicinity". "The Christmas 1940 Western Mail". "Victory", magazine Volume 2 Number 3, 1944. "Victory", magazine Volume 2 Number 6, 1945. also Photographs (22), including Shirley running, hurdling and playing hockey.
$1,500 - $2,000
Lot 3. Stop watch, Swiss made by Breitung. Shirley Strickland states, "My very first trophy, 1938". Not in working order
$500 - $1,000
1948 - INCLUDING THE LONDON OLYMPIC GAMES
"The 1948 Australian Olympic Team finally numbered seventy-seven, and was managed by Edgar Tanner, aided by seven sectional managers, the swimming coach Forbes Carlisle and a chaperon, Doris Magee. The expenses of the thirty-three for whom the AOF did not have enough money in hand were raised in about three weeks by individual sports and state Olympic councils. Much later, John Winter remembered standing in a boxing ring at a stadium in Perth, being introduced to a crowd with Shirley Strickland, and both shielding their eyes and heads as two shilling donations to the Olympic fund were showered into the ring. "They hurt a bit, too", said Winter. With the exception of the ten water polo players, who sailed on the "Orion", the team became the first ever to travel by air from Australia to the Olympic Games. Three contingents made the trip, taking four days, with overnight stopovers in Singapore, Karachi and Cairo. The one way fares cost £375, against £69 by steamer, so the financially stretched AOF made the prudent decision to bring the team home by sea. So soon after the most punishing war in history, at a time when food, clothing, transport and accommodation were still in short supply, it was only to be expected that London's Olympics would be characterized by a certain austerity. As little money as possible was spent, and there was much emphasis on renovation and repair. No new stadiums were built, and the main track events were run on a temporary track, which had been spread around Wembley Stadium. There was no real Olympic village; athletes were housed in army camps and converted schoolrooms, and the Australians found themselves at one stage eating food prepared in a domestic-science classroom. They were camped first at Richmond Park, a former air force camp overlooking the Thames valley, but were later moved, against Edgar Tanner's protests, to a suburban technical school at Willesden. The transport facilities were woefully inadequate. Tanner reported afterwards that he often had to stand on roads thumbing lifts for his team in trucks, wagons and private cars, and that once a bunch of athletes had reached the main stadium by courtesy of a garbage truck. Jack Metcalfe, the athletics manager, deprived of transport to Paddington Oval, persuaded the driver of a horse and dray to take some of his boys _ "standing up in the back and waving all the way". Australia finished the Games with two gold medals (to John Winter and
Merv Wood), six silvers (to George Avery, Theo Bruce, Dick Garrard, Nancy
Lyons, John Marshall and the women's sprint relay team: Joyce King, June
Matson, Betty McKinnon and Shirley Strickland) and five bronzes (to Jim
Armstrong, Judy Joy Davies, John Marshall, and Shirley Strickland twice).
Winter, who became the only Australian ever to have won the Olympic high
jump, and Wood, It was at the London Games that the illustrious Olympic career of Shirley Strickland was launched. She was a pathfinder in a sense: the first of a line of Australian female track stars whose deeds have made a lasting impact on the Olympics, and generally overshadowed those of their male counterparts. A fine all-round athlete, she won state titles in 1947 in five events, including the shot put, but later narrowed her range to sprints and hurdles. After the 1948 national championships, she was named for all track events for women at the Olympics: the 100 metres, 200 metres, 80 metres hurdles and sprint relay. If the Games of 1948 belonged to any single athlete, that person was Fanny Blankers-Koen, a Dutch housewife and mother of two. She won gold medals in the same four events for which Shirley Strickland had entered, becoming the first woman to win the sprint double. Blankers-Koen had competed in the high jump in 1936, but reached her magnificent peak in 1948, aged thirty. At the time she held the world broad-jump and high-jump records, but IOC rules prevented her from entering more than three individual Olympic events. Without much doubt she would have won the broad jump, in which the winning distance was nearly 2 feet shorter than her record. Shirley Strickland had never run on cinders before, and had expected them to offer firm footing. "It was a bit of a letdown really", she remembered in 1992. "The surface was soft and very, very wet. I just finished up with cakes of cinders around my shoes." The 100 metres final was run in blinding rain, and Blankers-Koen won well in 11.9 seconds, with Strickland third in 12.2 seconds. Her next gold medal, in the 80 metres hurdles final, came the hard way; she was left at the start, hit a hurdle, lurched clumsily to the finish and crossed almost in a line of three, with Britain's Maureen Gardner and Australia's Strickland. As the trio waited for the result, the band struck up "God Save the Queen", and Blankers-Koen thought that meant Gardner had won. In fact the British royal family had just entered the stadium. Blankers-Koen was finally judged the winner with an Olympic record of 11.2 seconds, and Gardner was second with the same time. Strickland's time was recorded as 11.4 seconds, but this was undoubtedly a mistake, since less than a metre separated the three of them. Blankers-Koen won the 200 metres final by 7 metres, the largest margin ever recorded, and the placings were awarded to Audrey Williamson (Britain) and Audrey Patterson (USA). Strickland was placed fourth, but it was discovered nearly three decades later, in 1975, that the bronze medal should have gone to her, not to the American. The judges had not consulted the photo-finish, which showed clearly that Strickland had finished third. Advised about this, her response was characteristically sporting. She asked the Amateur Athletic Union of Australia not to take the matter further, and explained: "All those years later you could not go back and ask someone who might not have won any other medal _ when I had seven _ and ask them to give it up. You just couldn't do something like that." She ran the first leg for Australia in the 4 x 100 metres relay, and gave her team a 6-metre lead, but the leeway was gradually reduced. Fanny Blankers-Koen was fourth when she began the final leg, 2 metres behind the leader, Australia's Joyce King, but she surged through to win in the last stride. Australia, with a team that had done very little training together, finished with a silver medal, one-tenth of a second behind Holland." [from "Australia and the Olympic Games" by Harry Gordon] Lot 4. Australian Championships, 1st Medal, 90 Yds Hurdles, 11.6 Sec, 25/1/48 Australian Championships, 2nd Medal, 100 Yds, 24/1/48 Australian Championships, 2nd Medal, 220 Yds, 26/1/48 Australian Championships, 3rd Certificate, 440 Yards Relay also WA Record Certificate _ 90 Yards Hurdles in 12.5 Seconds, 3/1/48 WA Record Certificate _ 90 Yards Hurdles in 12.1 Seconds, 17/1/48 NSW Record Certificate _ 90 Yards Hurdles in 11.6 Seconds, 26/1/48 WA Record Certificate _ 100 Yards in 11.0 Seconds, 21/2/48 WA Certificate of Merit _ 1st in 100 Yards, 1st in 90 Yards Hurdles & 1st in 220 Yards at WA Championships, 21-28/2/48. also Public Schools Association of Western Australia, Official Programme, 44th Annual Athletic Meeting, Saturday, October 23rd, 1948.
$1,000 - $1,500
Lot 5. Autograph album with 56 signatures gathered by Shirley Strickland at the 1948 Australian Champ- ionships and similar events; includes Australian Olympians Doris Carter, Judy Canty & June Maston.
$500 - $1,000
Lot 6. Album of photographs (54), with Shirley at various Athletics meetings and representing WA in the 1948 "Miss Australia" contest; and press clippings. "The Illustrated London News, Christmas Number 1948" (2).
$500 - $1,000
Lot 7. 1948 London Olympics, Australian Team Blazer, with Australian Coat-of-Arms & "OLYMPIC GAMES 1948" embroidered on pocket, S.Strickland name on tag inside. Important and extremely rare. Two buttons missing, and a couple of minor holes. also Group of photographs, (17) - Shirley modeling the Australian uniform (14), plus The Australian girls all wearing their blazers in Sydney prior to leaving for London; Shirley wearing her 1948 Olympics blazer at the 1950 Empire Games in Auckland NZ; Shirley wearing her 1948 Olympics blazer at the 1955 Warsaw International Games. also, Press clippings (3) showing Australians with their 1948 Olympic blazers.
$5,000 - $10,000
Lot 8. Malayan 10c Banknote with signatures of 21 Australian Olympians on front & reverse, noted Joyce King, Ray Tood, Judy Canty & Tom Darcy on front; George Knott, Bruce Goswell, Doris Magee, Kevin Hallett, Wal Lambert, Hugh Lambie, Garrick Agnew, Bruce Bourke, John Davies, B.Nancy Lyons, Colin Douglas-Smith, Marjorie McQuade, Judy Joy Davies, John Marshall, & Betty McKinnon. The first overnight stop of the aircraft taking the team to England was at Singapore. $500 - $1,000
Lot 9. Australian Olympic Games Team, London 1948, official team photograph with names printed on mount (tone spots on mount). also Range of photographs (15), and press clippings of the Australian team's pre & post-Olympics athletic meetings in London & Amsterdam. also Folder containing photographs (10) of Norway, which Shirley visited after the 1948 London Olympics.
$500 - $1,000
Lot 10. 1948 Olympic Games group of letters, documents & related publications; includes: -
1948 (7 Feb) letter from Country Women's Association to Shirley, congratulating her on Olympic Games selection. 1948 (29 May) Programme for Australian Olympic and Combined Universities Invitation Meet at Sydney University Oval. 1948 (8 June) Airletter from Harry Hopman, congratulating Shirley on her Olympic selection, and asking her questions on her training, and inviting her to play tennis. 1948 (26 June) postcard from Shirley in Darwin to Laurie de la Hunty (her future husband) in Perth, saying goodbye just prior to her departure. 1948 (23 July) letter from Shirley in London to her family, mentions her results in the Pre-Olympics races, sightseeing, arrival of athletes of every nationality. 1948 (13-16 Aug) Programme for Visit to Northern Ireland of the Australian Olympic Athletic Team. 1948 (18 Aug) letter from C.Lee to Shirley, enclosing a watercolour picture of Shirley, Maureen and the Duke of Edinburgh. 1948 (8 Sept) aerogramme from Shirley in Norway to her mother, describing her visit to that country. 1948 (27 Sept) postcard from Shirley in London to her parents, describing her visit to Scotland. 1948 (30 Sept) Programme from the Royal Opera House Covent Garden for a performance of "The Magic Flute", attended by some of the Australian Team. Luggage label inscribed "Well done Shirley/ From Tilbury Dockers/ No.2 Hatch". 1948 (4 Nov) Dinner Menu from the P&O S.S. "Maloja", signed by the Captain and crew. 1949 (20 Dec) letter from Harrow UK to Shirley's mother, enclosing two press photographs of Shirley at St.Pancras Railway Station. also Shirley Strickland's hand-annotated "Olympic Programme". also "Athletics for Women" by Lt.Col.F.A.M.Webster [London, c1947] Olympic Games London 1948, map published by London Transport. Programmes for Athletics on 4th August & Swimming on 7th August. "Olympic Games Athletics' Pictorial Souvenir", signed by Shirley Strickland. "Olympic Games London 1948 Official Souvenir" (faults), signed by Shirley Strickland. "Australia at the Olympic Games London 1948" by Edgar Tanner. "World Sports" magazine, June 1948, signed by Shirley Strickland. "World Sports" magazine, August 1948, signed by Shirley Strickland. "World Sports" magazine, September 1948, signed by Shirley Strickland. "XIV Olympic Games 1948 Results and Records". "Coming Events" magazine, September 1948. "Australia" magazine, April 1948. "Australia" magazine, May 1948. "Australia" magazine, June 1948. "The British Australasian" magazine, May 15, 1948. "The Western Mail", magazine, March 18, 1948. also Collection of photographs (38), press clippings & newspapers.
$1,500 - $2,000
Lot 11. 1948 Olympics Identity Card for Shirley Strickland.
$1,000 - $2,000
Lot 12. New Testament with "Olympic Games/ London 1948" imprinted on front cover. Shirley Strickland's personal copy.
$250 - $500
Lot 13. "British Olympic Association, Official Report of the London Olympic Games 1948", signed by Shirley Strickland.
$250 - $500
Lot 14. 1948 London Olympics Participation Medal, in bronze, designed by Bertram Mackennal & John Pinches, minted by John Pinches Ltd of London, 51mm diameter. also "British Olympic Association Official Report of the London Olympic Games 1948", signed by Shirley Strickland. also Group of photographs (2), press clippings & newspapers.
$1,000 - $1,500
Lot 15. 1948 London Olympics, Bronze Medal awarded to Shirley Strickland for Third place in the 100 metres, in original presentation case. Designed by Giusseppi Cassioli, minted by John Pinches Ltd of London, 51mm diameter. also Olympic Games London, Diploma (57x44cm) inscribed "S.B.Strickland, Australia. Athletics: 3rd, 100 metres _ women", and signed by J.S.Edstrom, President of International Olympic Committee; Viscount Portal of Laverstoke, President of the Games & Lord Burghley, Chairman of Organising Committee. also Photographs (7) of Shirley winning the 2nd Heat of the women's 100 metres. Photographs (2) of Shirley coming second to Fanny Blankers-Koen in Heat 1 of the 100 metres Semi- finals. Photographs (2) of Shirley winning the Bronze medal behind Fanny Blankers-Koen of Netherlands & D.Manley of GB. Photograph of the awards ceremony with the three placegetters receiving their medals on the dais in the pouring rain. also Collection of press clippings relating to the 100 metres (mostly collected by Shirley's mother).
$10,000 - $15,000
Lot 16. 1948 London Olympics, Bronze Medal awarded to Shirley Strickland for Third place in the 80 metres Hurdles, in original presentation case. Designed by Giusseppi Cassioli, minted by John Pinches Ltd of London, 51mm diameter. also Olympic Games London, Diploma (57x44cm) inscribed "S.B.Strickland, Australia. Athletics: 3rd, 80 metres hurdles _ women", and signed by J.S.Edstrom, President of International Olympic Committee; Viscount Portal of Laverstoke, President of the Games & Lord Burghley, Chairman of Organising Committee. also Photographs (6) of the 80 metres Hurdles final. Photo-finish photograph of the 80 metres Hurdles, showing Shirley winning the Bronze medal behind Fanny Blankers-Koen of Netherlands & M.Gardner of Great Britain. Photographs (2) of the awards ceremony with the three placegetters receiving their medals on the dais from J.S.Edstrom, President of the Games. also Official Programme for Athletics, Wednesday 4th August 1948, with message inside "Congratulations Shirley on a marvelous run, Jack Metcalfe". also Collection of press clippings & newspapers relating to the 80 metres Hurdles. also 1980 (28 Mar) letter from Geoff Dyson (Coach to 1952, 1956 & 1960 British Olympic Teams) to Shirley, enclosing a photograph of her receiving this Bronze medal.
$10,000 - $15,000 Lot 17. Olympic Games London, Diploma (57x44cm) inscribed "S.B.Strickland, Australia. Athletics: 4th, 200 metres _ women", and signed by J.S.Edstrom, President of International Olympic Committee; Viscount Portal of Laverstoke, President of the Games & Lord Burghley, Chairman of Organising Committee. also Photograph of the 200 metres Semi-final, with Shirley running a dead heat for first with A.D.Williamson of Great Britain. Photograph of Shirley signing autographs for fans after her dead heat for first place in the 200 metre semi-finals. also Collection of press clippings relating to the 200 metres. also Photocopy of "Athletics Weekly", April 3rd 1976, with contoversial article "Olympic Judges Erred in 1948, Photo finish reveals Shirley Strickland deprived of medal", the article including the photo-finish showing posi tions 2, 3 and 4 in the women's 200m final also 1997 (7 Aug) letter from Australian Olympic Committee to Shirley, regarding a request by the ATSF (Association of Track and Field Statisticians), who had discovered Shirley Strickland actually finished 3rd in the women's 200 metres, and their feeling that Australia should make a submission to the IOC and set the record straight. Together with copy of the 1997 (19 July) letter from the ATSF to the Australian Olympic Federation and a photocopy of the photofinish, and a draft of Shirley's letter of reply to the AOC. also 1998 (4 Mar) letter from Australian Olympic Committee to Shirley, advising that after exhaustive enquir ies the AOC regret to advise that they have not achieved the outcome they had hoped for. "The current policy of the IOC is to accept the ruling of the judge who officiated at the event".
$2,000 - $4,000
Lot 18. 1948 London Olympics, Silver Medal awarded to Shirley Strickland for 2nd place in the 400 metres Relay (4 x 100m), in original presentation case. Designed by Giusseppi Cassioli, minted by John Pinches Ltd of London, (51mm diameter). also Olympic Games London, Diploma (57x44cm) inscribed "S.B.Strickland, Australia. Athletics: 2nd, 400 metres Relay _ women (4 x 100M)", and signed by J.S.Edstrom, President of International Olympic Committee; Viscount Portal of Laverstoke, President of the Games & Lord Burghley, Chairman of Organising Committee. also Photograph of the victory ceremony for the 400 metres Relay, showing the Dutch, Australian and Irish teams. also Official Programme for Athletics, Saturday 7th August 1948. also Collection of press clippings & a newspaper relating to the 400 metres Relay.
$15,000 - $20,000
Lot 19. Shirley Strickland's competitors numbers, "668", that were sewn onto her running outfit during the 1948 Olympics. Three numbers, each 32x19cm, one still mud splattered from the 100 metres final run in the pouring rain. also Photographs (2) of Shirley wearing the number "668" whilst competing in the 100 metres and the 80 metres Hurdles. Also, a range of press clippings and a newspaper.
$1,000 - $2,000
Lot 20. Shirley Strickland's 1948 London Olympics running shorts, made from white satin with green and yellow stripes down each leg. Fastened with two buttons on each hip. Some minor faults and wear.
$1,000 -$2,000
Lot 21. Shirley Strickland's brown running shoes (spikes), used at 1948 London Olympics, made of Tasmanian wallaby to fit EACH foot individually, by Sweeney of Melbourne. Shirley has commented, "This shoemaker deserves some award for his contribution and careful service to many of our previous top athletic performers, both amateur and professional of the day. No commercial footwear for sprinters comes close to his. Note the reduced tongues and light limited laces, all to reduce weight on the foot _ Archimedes principle. I never wore socks. Lacing changed in 1952 when I realized that cross-lacing did not easily distribute even pressure across the foot. I also unlaced my shoes after the race and often walked back barefoot. Reason _ to protect the beautiful toe speed balance of my shoes."
$4,000 - $6,000
Lot 22. The Trowel used by Shirley Strickland to dig starting holes, prior to the advent of starting blocks.
$250 - $500
Lot 23. Set of 6 tea spoons with the London Olympics badge on the handle, plus another set of 6 tea spoons with the Crest of the City of London on the handle, purchased as souvenirs by Shirley during the London Olympics. also Photograph, press clippings, newspaper & magazines (2).
$250 - $500
Lot 24. Scarf "Olympic Winners of XVth Olympiad London 1948", printed with the results of all events at the conclusion of the 1948 Olympics. Very attractive and informative souvenir, which Shirley bought as a present for her father. also Photographs (5), negatives (2) and press clippings of Shirley displaying this scarf on her return home from the Olympics. Also few other press clippings, a newspaper & a magazine.
$500 - $1,000
Lot 25. Similar 1948 Olympics Scarf given to Shirley as a gift. Photograph of Shirley and her mother with the scarf on her return from the 1948 London Olympics.
$400 - $800
Lot 26. 1948 (17 Nov) invitation to "Welcome Home" for Shirley Strickland, Dr.Charles Green & Garrick Agnew from the Mayor and Councilors of Subiaco. These three athletes comprised the entire WA contingent selected for the 1948 London Olympics. Original mss of speech given by Shirley Strickland at the "Welcome Home", hand-written on 3 pages of P&O "Maloja" letterhead. also Superb hand-coloured photographic display, "Australian Olympic Representatives, Olympic Games England 1948. These representatives were citizens of the Subiaco Municipality at the time of selection. Miss Shirley Strickland, Dr.Charles Green, John Winter, Garrick Agnew", with portraits of each and another of the lighting of the Olympic flame. Inscribed in pencil at lower right "Compiled and coloured by Lafayette Dease, Perth". Framed and glazed, overall 31x26cm. Extremely attractive. also Photograph of Shirley at the "Welcome Home", plus range of press clippings.
$1,000 - $2,000
1949 - INCLUDING THE BLANKERS-KOEN/STRICKLAND TOUR OF AUSTRALIA
Controversy raged for Shirley Strickland during 1949. The year opened with her considering working in the UK, and during the early months she received several letters from London regarding employment.
The Dutch champion, Fanny Blankers-Koen, and her husband arrived in Australia for an exhibition tour during January and February. Shirley had accepted an offer to tour all States with the Blankers-Koens, but was initially hampered by a heavy financial request and a slow return to form. However, Shirley and her coach, Austin Robertson, were determined to race the Dutch champion. Their first meeting was in Melbourne on 22nd January in front of a crowd of 30,000 at the MCG. Fanny Blankers-Koen won the 100yds in 11.4 seconds, a Victorian record; won the 80m Hurdles in 11.7 seconds with Shirley Strickland in a dead heat for 2nd; and won the High Jump with a leap of 4'11". The next meeting was at Perth on 29th January. The 100yds was a sensation with Fanny Blankers-Koen falling near the tape with 18-year-old Verna Johnson and Shirley Strickland ahead of her. It was Fanny's first defeat since August 1946 in Oslo. Despite her badly skinned knee, Mrs Blankers-Koen easily won the 80 metres hurdles in the Australian record time of 11.5 seconds, and also won the High jump with 4'10". Nearly 30,000 people attended the athletic carnival at the Brisbane Exhibition Ground on 3rd February. Shirley was devastated that Fanny Blankers-Koen refused to run against her and gave exhibitions only. Strickland and Queenslander Daphne Welch (later, Pirie) gave the public a great thrill in a 100 yards handicap race, won by the local youngster in a photo finish. Amid headlines screaming "Olympic Star is Scrubbed", it was disclosed that Shirley had been refused her expenses and had been chasing the Flying Dutchwoman all over Australia at her own expense. Fanny's next appearance was in Sydney on 5th February. In the 100 metres she was defeated by the brilliant Lithgow junior, Marjorie Jackson, in a new Australian record of 11.8. After a spell, Blankers-Koen came out and electrified the crowd with three Australian records of her own - 11.4 seconds in the 80 metres hurdles, and in the shot put, 34'5½" & then 34'10". Meanwhile, back in Brisbane, Shirley ran alone after a local ban, clocking 11.3 seconds in the 100 yards, and 12.0 seconds in the 80 metres hurdles. Shirley flew into Sydney with a clearance to run and an agreement from the NSW Association to pay her expenses. On 9th February at Hurstville Oval the two great rivals met over the 80 metres hurdles, Fanny winning in a new Australian record of 11.3 seconds. However, Fanny withdrew from the other events on the programme. In the 100 yards, 17 year-old Marjorie Jackson won in 11.2 seconds, scoring by inches from Shirley Strickland. Shirley then took the 220 yards title in 25.5 seconds. Fanny Blankers-Koen's final appearance was at Sydney on 12th February. In another sensation she pulled up in the 100 yards after stumbling in a shallow hole. The race was won by Marjorie Jackson ahead of Olympians Shirley Strickland and June Maston. Later in the afternoon she won the 80 metres hurdles from Shirley Strickland, tied for the discus title and took part in an invitational 440 Yards Relay _ the Olympic team versus New South Wales and Lithgow. The tour had been a financial success, with excellent crowds and plenty of media coverage, but it had also raised controversies regarding appearance money and compensation, accusations of professionalism and concern over gambling on races. In hindsight, it gave a great boost to women's athletics, and almost certainly played a part in Australia's success in women's athletics over the next few Olympics.
Lot 27. 1949 (4 Jan) letter from Ministry of Supply in London to Mr.W.H. Coulson at Australia House in London regarding the possibility of employing Shirley in the Ministry of Supply. 1949 (22 Jan) letter from Frank S.Cotton (Professor of Physiology at Sydney University) to Shirley, staggered by her performance in the 440 yds and urging her to contact him. 1949 (16 Feb) letter from Canberra House in London to Shirley, regarding possible employment with ICI, GEC or the Ministry of Supply. 1949 (7 Mar) letter from Canberra House in London to Shirley, regarding an offer of employment at Clarendon Laboratory at Oxford University. 1949 (27 April) letter from Frank S.Cotton, Professor of Physiology at Sydney University to Shirley, regarding the gathering of data related to heredity, longevity, etc. 1949 (2 May) copy of letter from R.F.Halliday of National Fitness Council in response to newspaper comment on Shirley Strickland's connection with the Eureka Youth League. 1949 (13 July) letter from Edgar Tanner of the Australian Olympic Federation to Shirley, thanking her for the manner in which she had represented her country abroad with the Australian 1948 Olympic Games Team. 1949 (12 Aug) postcard to Shirley from Dolly in Oslo, Norway. "The Illustrated London News, Christmas Number 1949". Song sheet with words and music to "Hello! Beautiful One", with some of the lyrics changed in pen to incorporate "Shirley Strickland". also Group of photographs (16) and press clippings.
$1,500 - $2,000
Lot 28. The Fanny Blankers-Koen tour: a group of important letters & related documents: - 1949 (21 Jan) Telegram from Gwen Bull (Secretary, Western Australia Women's Amateur Athletic Association) to Shirley in Melbourne, granting her permission to compete. 1949 (22 Jan) Telegram from her mother to Shirley, "All West Australia with you all the way". 1949 (22 Jan) Telegram from the Mastons to Shirley at the MCG, "Best of luck we're all behind you". (June Maston won Silver with Shirley in the 4x100m Relay at London) 1949 (22 Jan) Telegram from Mollie Skinner to Shirley at MCG, "Splendid to compete Good luck". 1949 (24 Jan) Telegram from Gwen Bull (WAWAAA) in Perth to Shirley in Melbourne, "Very pleased with news. Think advisable [you] miss Adelaide. Please wire me return date. Appreciate information and shall act accordingly". Souvenir Programme for the Fanny Blankers-Koen Australian Tour in Perth, Saturday 29th January 1949. 1949 (31 Jan) Telegram from Arthur Postle to Dave Strickland, granting permission for Shirley to compete in Brisbane. 1949 (1 Feb) receipt for the purchase of a print of the Daily News photograph "Fall of a Favourite". 1949 (3 Feb) Telegram to her father from Shirley in Brisbane, "Blankers refused run Fany (sic) Hundred or Against me Hurdles. She gave exhibitions only. My time under 11.2. Feeling fine. Can tell papers." 1949 (11 Feb) copy of letter from Denton Rees (President of Queensland Amateur Athletic Association) to Shirley in Sydney, enclosing copy of a letter he has sent to G.Lush of "Sunday Sun", and advising that he is arranging to send her a cheque for the plane fare from Brisbane to Sydney. 1949 (8 Feb) copies (2) of a letter from Denton Rees to G.Lush of "Sunday Sun", reads "in fairness to Shirley Strickland, I want to give you some of the facts pertaining to her appearance in Brisbane last Wednesday night." 1949 (12 Feb) Invitation to a Farewell Ball to Mrs Fanny Blankers Koen at White City Ballroom, Rushcutters Bay, signed on reverse by Fanny Blankers-Koen and two others. 1949 (late Feb) letter from Y.D.Spittles (Secretary QWAAA) to Shirley, responding to Shirley's letter "I would like to point out that no permission was applied for or granted you by our Association to compete on Feb.5th". 1949 (3 Mar) letter from Doris Magee (Secretary Australian Women's Amateur Athletic Union), "Following a complaint lodged by the Queensland Women's AAA. it is necessary for you to avoid misunderstandings in future by always making arrangements through your local Women's Association and not privately". 1949 (14 Mar) draft of a 4-page letter from Shirley to Y.D.Spittles, Secretary of QWAAA, forcefully defending herself against Miss Spittles' complaints against her. 1949 (22 Mar) personal letter from Betty Beazley (President AWAAU _ and mother of Kim Beazley) in Canberra to Shirley, "With this is an official letter which will explain to you that, quite unwillingly, you have been the cause of protracted negotiations", also congratulates Shirley on her successful NZ trip, and mentions the birth of her son "Kim Chris is a fine little fellow. He was 9lbs 5ozs at birth _ a big weight seeing 7½lbs is normal but it all went in long, firm limbs & not extra fat. He has pro- gressed well & is a happy, rosy, blue-eyed, fair skinned, sociable little fellow of three months now". 1949 (22 Mar) long official letter from Betty Beazley (President AWAAU) to Shirley, quoting from a long succession of letters and telegrams and tracing the whole history of the incident from 29th Decem- ber 1948 to the date of her letter, and ending with her rulings: - "1. A letter be sent to the Queensland Mens Association requesting them not to make arrangements concerning Women Athletes without first consulting the Women's Athletic Association. 2. A letter be sent to Miss Shirley Strickland asking her to avoid misunderstandings in future by always making arrangements through her local Women's Association and not privately." 1949 (1 April) letter from Denton Rees (President QAAA) to Shirley, enclosing copies of his letters dated 8th & 11th February in case she had not received them, outlining discussions he had had with Mr.Weir, President of the AAU regarding the Brisbane incident, and mentioning her father's athletic career and the Stawell Gift. also Photographs (29), from the Fanny Blankers-Koen tour with some sensational shots of Fanny's fall in Perth. also Collection of press clippings in drawing book, one page with signature of Fanny Blankers-Koen, plus large collection of loose press clippings. also Silver cup, engraved "NSWAAA, 220 Yards, S.Strickland, 1st, 25.4 Sec., 9.2.49" Silver cup, engraved "NSWAAA, 100 Yards, S.Strickland, 2nd, 12.2.49"
Many important and unique documents.
$3,000 - $5,000
1949 - The Australian Athletic Team Tour to New Zealand
During February and March 1949 a team of 9 Australian athletes was invited to tour New Zealand. The Team comprised Shirley Strickland and 8 male athletes: - Dave White, E. Strickland, Peter Mullins, G. Avery, Edwin Carr, G. Goodacre, Morris Curotta, J. Marks & E.W. "Slip" Carr. It was a very grueling tour with Shirley competing in 34 races in a month.
Lot 29. Official Programme, Canterbury Amateur Athletic Association, Australian Visit, Lancaster Park, Wednesday, 2nd March, 1949. 1949 (23 Mar) letter from A.R.Cutler, High Commissioner for Australia in NZ, to Shirley, "I am glad to hear that you had an interesting time, and I have heard on all sides, that you and the men athletes were very popular in New Zealand". 1949 (21 June) letter from Harland Charters, Photographer in New Plymouth to Mr.Strickland, enclosing a photograph of Shirley "We consider it a fine portrait of a fine stamp of a girl". "NZ Sportswoman" magazine, 8 issues from 1949 (some silverfish damage to covers). "Ardmore College 1949, Calender and Prospectus". also Silver trophy, engraved "Hamilton 1949" with "NZ" on fern leaf at base. also An album of photographs (118), from the New Zealand Tour. also Collection of press clippings from the New Zealand Tour.
$2,000 - $4,000
1948-49 - Eureka Youth League Controversy
In August 1948 Shirley was accused of being a Communist after an article appeared in the official Communist newspaper, the "Tribune", stating "Bevin (British Foreign Minister) banned the sports writer of a progressive Italian paper from the Olympic Games. But he didn't wake up to the fact that the Australian champion, Shirley Strickland, was a member of the W.A. Eureka Youth League. Or maybe Bevin just wasn't fast enough". The Australian papers were quick to investigate this claim, with a story appearing in the "West Australian" under the headline "COMMUNIST STORY, Miss Strickland and Eureka League", however the story included an explanation from her parents and a statement from R.E.Halliday, Director of Physical Education and National Fitness, that "Miss Strickland had been trained as a physical instructressAny assistance given by her to the Eureka Youth League would be in the nature of a voluntary effort to assist a youth club. It was grossly unfair to try to pin political affiliations of the nature imputed on a young woman because she had helped a youth club." In February 1949 there were further front page newspaper stories alleging that the Eureka Youth League of WA had financed Shirley Strickland's tour to the Eastern States to compete against Fanny Blankers-Koen. An article, "Communist Party Aided By `Cover-Up' Members", by Cecil Sharpley in April 1949 included a picture of Shirley with the caption "Shirley Strickland, non-Communist member of the Eureka Youth League", and an authoritative expose of the Eureka Youth League as a Communist front. A few days later Shirley's letter to the editor was published, "Sir, Cecil Sharpley, in his recent articles in The Herald, stated that I was a `non-Communist member of the Eureka Youth League.' I wish to say that I am not a Communist and never have been one; and that since 1945 when I relinquished my position as physical culture instructress with the club, I have not been associated with it and know nothing of any change in its policy or activities." This reply goes on, "With her letter Miss Strickland attached a copy of a letter from R.E.Halliday, Director of the National Fitness Council of Western Australia. This says that the council allotted Miss Strickland to the EYL in 1945 as a leader in physical education, when she became a member. The same year she retired from the work."
Lot 30. 1944 (19 Oct) Shirley Strickland's original Trained Leader's Certificate from the National Fitness Council of Western Australia. 1948 (16 Aug) hand-written press statement from R.E.Halliday (Director of Physical Education and National Fitness of WA) that was published in the article "COMMUNIST STORY, Miss Strickland and the Eureka Youth League". 1949 (2 May) long signed statement from R.E.Halliday, explaining the circumstances of Shirley's connection with the Eureka Youth League. 1953 (8 June) letter from W. English of the National Fitness Council of WA to Shirley's mother, enclosing another signed copy of Mr Halliday's statement of May 1949. also Press clippings related to the Eureka Youth League. $1,000 - $1,500
1950 - including the British Empire Games at Auckland
The Australian Track and Field Championships were held in Adelaide from Saturday 31st December 1949 to Saturday 7th January 1950, and Shirley won 5 medals: - 1st in the 80metres hurdles in 11.7 seconds, 1st in the 440 yds in an Australian record of 57.4 seconds; and 2nd in the 100 yds, 220 yds and 4 x 110 yds Relay [see lot 31]. Marjorie Jackson won the sprint double, and in winning the 100yds in 10.8 seconds equaled the world record of Fanny Blankers-Koen. At the British Empire Games in Auckland, New Zealand, in February, Shirley won three gold medals, in the 80 metres hurdles, 440 yards relay and 660 yards relay; and silver medals in the 100 yards & 220 yards sprints behind Marjorie Jackson. On her return to Australia, Shirley competed in the NSW Championships and an invitation meet with the Adelaide Harriers, then touring Tasmania and gaving a great boost to athletics in that State. At the end of the year she went back to New Zealand for the Canterbury Centennial Games, where she turned the tables on Jackson by winning both sprints.
Lot 31. Shirley Strickland's 1950 Australian Championship medals (5), comprising: Australian Championships, 1st Medal, S.Strickland, WA, 80 metres Hurdles, 11.7 secs, 7.1.50 Australian Championships, 1st Medal, S.Strickland, WA, 440 yds, 57.4 secs, 4.1.50 Australian Championships, 2nd Medal, S.Strickland, WA, 100 Yds, 4.1.50 Australian Championships, 2nd Medal, S.Strickland, WA, 220 Yds, 7.1.50 Australian Championships, 2nd Medal, WA, 4x110 Yds Relay, 4.1.50
$2,000 - $4,000
Lot 32. 1950 Awards & Record Certificates, comprising: Silver cup, NSWWAAA, S.Strickland, 1st, 80m hurdles, 11.6s, 1950 NSW Championship Certificate, 3rd Place, 100 yards, 18.2.50 Trophy with Adelaide crest on base, engraved "Adelaide Harriers to S.Strickland, 21.2.50" Trophy, Silver sugar bowl, engraved "WAWAAA, 1950, S.Strickland, 1st 75 yds H'dcp" also Australian Record Certificates (2) _ 440 Yards in 57.4 seconds, 4th Jan.1950 WA Record Certificate _ 220 Yards in 25.6 seconds, 21st Jan.1950 Australian Record Certificate _ 440 Yards Relay in 47.7 seconds, 13th Feb.1950 NSW Record Certificate _ 440 Yards Relay in 47.7 seconds, 18th Feb.1950 WA Record Certificate _ 80 Metres Hurdles in 11.4 seconds, 9th Dec.1950
$1,000 - $2,000 Lot 33. 1950 letters, printed documents & photographs, etc., comprising: Official Programme, Australian Amateur Track and Field Games Championships, Adelaide Oval, Saturday 31st December 1949 and Monday 2nd January 1950, with 7 signatures on the front cover including Verna Johnston & Gwen Mothershaw. Programmes (2), SA Women's Amateur Athletic Association, Australian Championships, Norwood Oval, Wednesday 4th January 1950, Saturday 7th January 1950, in one Shirley has added her initials to the starters in the heats of the 100 yards & 220 yards. 1950 (5 Jan) long and informative letter from Shirley at the YWCA in North Adelaide to her parents, reporting on her progress at the Australian Championships, "Straight after that (15 mins) came the 440 final. Gwen asked me to save myself for the relay to follow; I drew the right outside lane, so I set out not knowing where I was. I went fairly fast for 300 yards without seeing any of the others, then felt a bit breathless so slackened up, not wanting to pass out before I reached the tape. Then I got my second wind and started to sprint. Imagine my surprise to find I'd won and an Aust. Record too. I never saw one of the other competitors, just shadows flicking up in front of me as we passed lights I haven't been training for the 440 at all, haven't run one since 1946 Championships, and this one was only to give me a jog." 1950 (18 Mar) advertising poster for Shirley Strickland's appearance at York Park in Launceston. 1950 (April) issue of "National Fitness Youth Club News" 1950 (17-23 May) souvenirs (10) printed at Mid Century Advertising Exhibition in Perth, featuring Shirley Strickland, Verna Johnston, Wally Langdon & Sonny Maffina. 1950 (30 May) letter from Lil Neville in Melbourne to Shirley, advising that Shirley's visit to Tasmania had resulted in the formation of two Women's Athletic Clubs, "Who knows we might have them competing in next Aust Champs". 1950 (27 Oct) programmes (2) for WASSASA Girls High Schools Programme, Seventeenth Annual Athletic Carnival at Subiaco Oval. 1950 (24 Nov) official programmes (2) Amateur Athletic & Cycling Carnival at Fremantle Oval. 1950 (19 Dec) postcard wishing Shirley Happy Christmas from two of her students in Murrin Murrin. 1982 (11 Feb) letter from Michael Taliangis to Shirley, enclosing photographs of Shirley at the 1950 Australian Championships. also "Sporting Life" magazine, October 1950. "World Sports" magazine, August 1950. also Album of photographs (63), with Shirley at various Athletics meetings and during her tour of Tasmania. Collection of press clippings.
$3,000 - $4,000
Lot 34. 1950 Empire Games Autograph Album, specially produced for Competitors and Officials British Empire Games, "Presented to Shirley Strickland of the Australian Athletic Team" on inside front cover, with signatures of 167 athletes.
$1,000 - $2,000
Lot 35. 1950 Empire Games group: - "British Empire Games, New Zealand, Auckland, 1950, Official Souvenir". "Athletic News", February 11th, 1950. Map of Auckland showing IVth Empire Games venues. Official Programme, Athletics, First Day, Saturday 4th February. Official Programme, Athletics, Third Day, Thursday 9th February Souvenir Programme, Taiporutu Club of Rotorua also "The Story of the British Empire Games" by Organizing Committee for the 1950 British Empire Games [Auckland, 1950] "Australia at the British Empire Games 1911 to 1950" by James Eve, signed by Shirley Strickland. "New Zealand's National All-Sports Monthly, Empire Games Souvenir Number", March 1950, signed by Shirley Strickland. "The Evening Star", newspapers (2) from Dunedin, dated February 6, 1950. "New Zealand Free Lance" newspapers (3) dated 8th, 15th & 22nd February, 1950. "The New Zealand Herald", newspaper, dated February 15, 1950. "The Weekly News", newspaper from Auckland, dated February 22, 1950. "The Chronicle", newspaper from Adelaide, dated February 16, 1950.
$500 - $1,000
Lot 36. 1950 Empire Games related letters: - 1950 (5 Feb) Airletter from Frank S.Cotton (Professor of Physiology) in Sydney to Shirley at the Empire Games in Auckland, thrilled to hear of her win in the heat & semifinal, and "I am hoping for good news in the hurdles, this reminds me _ I have some exceptionally encouraging facts to tell you about increasing the flexibility of the body (for hurdles etc) which I forgot to mention in our talk, also there is definite certainty of improving the speed of reaction time in starting, with special exercises". 1950 (7 Feb) Airletter from Frank S.Cotton to Shirley in Auckland, "The news came over this afternoon about your record win in the 220 yds semifinalI am very intrigued to know whether you ran the race with accelerating effort". [Also included is a biography of Frank S.Cotton]. 1950 (15 Feb) letter from Mayor of Subiaco to Shirley, congratulating her upon representing Australia at the Empire Games and adding to her record an Empire Games Championship title. 1950 (1 Mar) letter from Western Australia Women's Hockey Association to Shirley, offering congratulations on her recent success at the Empire Games. 1950 (16 Feb) registered letter from Yvonne in Sydney to Shirley, enclosing a pile of press clippings from the Sydney papers.
$1,000 - $1,500
Lot 37. 1950 Empire Games Photographs (32), including two large team photographs, one showing the athletes wearing their blazers, the other showing the athletes in their competition outfits; another photograph shows Shirley signing the special autograph book. also Collection of press clippings.
$1,000 - $1,500
Lot 38. 1950 Empire Games, Australian Team Blazer, with Australian Coat-of-Arms & "BRITISH EMPIRE GAMES/ AUCKLAND 1950/ ATHLETICS" embroidered on pocket, S.Strickland name on tag inside. Few moth holes, otherwise very attractive & rare. also Photographs (2) & press clippings (3) of Shirley wearing her blazer. Official Programme, British Empire Games, Auckland 1950, Athletics, First Day, Saturday 4th February.
$2,500 - $5,000
Lot 39. 1950 British Empire Games, Silver Medal awarded to Shirley Strickland for Second place in the 100 Yards, in original presentation case. also Official Programme, Athletics, First Day, Saturday 4th February. also Collection of press clippings relating to the 100 Yards.
The 100 Yards was held on the first day of the Games. Marjorie Jackson won the first heat equaling the world record of 10.8 sec. Shirley won the second heat in 10.9 sec & Verna Johnson won the third heat in 11.1 seconds. The semi-finals were won by Marjorie Jackson & Shirley Strickland in 10.9 seconds. Marjorie Jackson again equaled the world record in the final, with Shirley Strickland second and Verna Johnson third, giving Australia a clean sweep.
$2,500 - $5,000
Lot 40. 1950 British Empire Games, Silver Medal awarded to Shirley Strickland for Second place in the 220 Yards, in original presentation case. also Official Programme, Athletics, Third Day, Thursday 9th February. Photograph of the 220 Yards final (some faults). also Collection of press clippings relating to the 220 Yards.
The heats and semi-finals of the 220 Yards were held on the second day of the Athletics. Marjorie Jackson won the first heat in 24.8 seconds, reducing the NZ record from 25.6 seconds; Shirley Strickland won the second heat in 25.3 sec & D. Robb of South Africa won the third heat in 25.0 seconds. The Semi-finals were won by Marjorie Jackson in 24.9 sec and Shirley Strickland in 24.6 seconds, further lowering the NZ record. The final was the first event on the third day of Athletics. Marjorie Jackson cleared away from the field to win in 24.3 seconds _ equalling the Polish, Stella Walasiewicz's world record and completing a splendid sprints double. Shirley Strickland was second in 24.5 sec and D. Robb third in 24.7 seconds.
$2,500 - $5,000
Lot 41. 1950 British Empire Games, Gold Medal awarded to Shirley Strickland for First place in the 80 Metres Hurdles, in original presentation case. also Official Programme, Athletics, Third Day, Thursday 9th February. Photograph of 1st Heat of 80 metres Hurdles. Photograph of Final of 80 metres Hurdles. Photograph of the three placegetters in 80 metres Hurdles final. also Collection of press clippings relating to the 80 Metres Hurdles.
The heats of the 80 metres hurdles were also held on the third day of the Athletics, with the final about an hour later. In the first heat Miss Strickland and the New Zealanders Schoch and Shackleton, raced together virtually from the first hurdle. They cleared the last jump in line, but Shirley had slightly superior pace in the run to the line. The time for all the placegetters was the same _ 11.4 sec which lowered the previous Empire Games record by three-tenths of a second. The 2nd heat was won by Gourlay of NZ in 11.5 sec, followed by Fletcher of NZ and Stadler of Australia. Shirley scored a well-deserved victory in the 80 metres hurdle final. She broke and then when the field was sent away dwelt slightly. The two New Zealanders, Schoch and Shackleton, led out and held a lead until just before the second last jump where Shirley drew level. She inched her way forward, and clearing the last hurdle just ahead of the New Zealanders, went on to gain the narrowest of victories in 11.6 seconds, one-fifth of a second slower than her heat time. Shirley Strickland had done it at last. Though she was one of Australia's greatest women athletes it was not until this day that she had won an international title. Up until now she had had to be content with seconds and thirds. "I've waited such a long time for this", said Shirley, laughing with pleasure. "At the Olympic Games it was Fanny Blankers-Koen who kept beating me. Now its Marjorie Jackson." Shirley hoped that her big win would not be her last. "I would love to go to Helsinki for the next Olympics," she said earnestly. "Whether or not I will last out I don't know."
The medal which gave a true indication of what was to come.
$5,000 - $10,000
Lot 42. 1950 British Empire Games, Gold Medal awarded to Shirley Strickland for First place in the 440 Yards Relay, in original presentation case. also Official Programme, Athletics, Fourth Day, Saturday 11th February. Collection of press clippings relating to the 440 Yards Relay.
The 440 Yards Relay was held on the fourth day of the Athletics. 40,000 spectators at Eden Park refused to quit, even though vast quantities of rain were descending on them. Whilst the men ran 4x110 yards, the women's relay comprised three legs - 220, 110, 110 yards. Marjorie Jackson gave Australia an unassailable lead in the first leg of the relay. She was opposed by Leslie Rowe (NZ) and Sylvia Cheesman (England) but headed them by nearly ten yards with the greatest of ease. Shirley Strickland, running the second leg, bounded off like a springbok, and when Verna Johnston took over for the final 110 yards there was a gap back to New Zealand in second place of about 14 yards. England finished third and Canada fourth.
Australia's time of 47.9 seconds was a new Empire Games record.
$5,000 - $10,000
Lot 43. 1950 British Empire Games, Gold Medal awarded to Shirley Strickland for First place in the 660 Yards Relay, in original presentation case. also Official Programme, Athletics, Fourth Day, Saturday 11th February. Photograph of the Relay girls. also Collection of press clippings relating to the 660 Yards Relay.
The 660 Yards Relay was held about an hour after the 440 yards Relay, and comprised 2x220 yards and 2x110 yards. A feature of the relay, in which yet another record was set by Australia, was the fine start given New Zealand by Doris Parker, who held her own with Shirley Strickland over the first 220 yards. Australia's supremely good sprinters soon established a lead, and at the last baton change-over to Marjorie Jackson, New Zealand was a good ten yards behind. Leslie Rowe (NZ) at this stage had the ill-luck to fall as she was handing the baton to Shirley Hardman, and the team was subsequently disqualified for letting the baton touch the ground. Jackson finished about 30 yards ahead of New Zealand with England and Canada fairly close up.
The Australian team of Shirley Strickland, Verna Johnston, Ann Shanley and Marjorie Jackson, set a new Empire record of 1 minute 13.4 seconds on the rain soaked track.
$5,000 - $10,000
1950 Canterbury Centennial Games, 2nd Place Medal, awarded to Shirley Strickland in the 100 metres. 1950 Canterbury Centennial Games, 1st Place Trophy, awarded to Shirley Strickland in the 100 yards. 1950 Canterbury Centennial Games, 1st Place Trophy, awarded to Shirley Strickland in the 200 metres. 1950 Canterbury Centennial Games, 1st Place Trophy, awarded to Shirley Strickland in the 80 metres hurdles.
$2,500 - $5,000
Lot 46. "Centennial, Canterbury, New Zealand", book, signed on front cover by Shirley Strickland. "Canterbury Centennial Celebrations, Official Souvenir Programme". "The New Zealand Sportsman, Centennial Games, Souvenir Issue", signed on front cover by Shirley Strickland. "Canterbury Centennial Games, International, Official Programme, Athletics 1st Day, Wednesday, December 27, 1950". "Canterbury Centennial Games, International, Official Programme, Athletics 2nd Day, Friday, December 29, 1950". "Canterbury Centennial Games, International, Official Programme, Athletics 3rd Day, Saturday, December 30, 1950". "The Weekly News", newspaper, Auckland, January 10, 1951. 1952 (1 July) letter from Green & Hahn Photography in Christchurch to Shirley's mother, enclosing proofs of two photographs. also Range of photographs (6), noted: - Photograph of Shirley winning the 200 metres. Photograph of Shirley on her return to Australia after the Centennial Games. also Collection of press clippings.
$1,000 - $2,000
1951 - including Australian Commonwealth Jubilee Championships
Shortly after her triumphant return from New Zealand, Shirley completed an amazing clean sweep at the Commonwealth Jubilee Championships in Sydney. She came close to a world record in winning the 100 yards sprint, leading throughout to clock 11.8 seconds, only 0.1 seconds outside Marjorie Jackson's world record. Shirley got away to a perfect start and running beautifully, increased her lead over the last 25 yards to win clearly from NZ runner Dorrie Parker, with Marlene Mathews third. Shirley set a new Australian and NSW record with a brilliant win in the 80 metres hurdle in 11.2. The record of 11.3 had been held by Dutch champion, Fanny Blankers Koen. Shirley made it 3 in a row when she followed up her hurdles victory with a brilliant win in the 440, beating S. Massey (NSW) by 30 yards. She topped off her remarkable treble by leading Australia to victory over New Zealand in the 440 yards relay. Taking the baton on the last change, 3 yards behind NZ star, Dorrie Parker, the WA girl gathered her in 25 yards from home and crossed the line inches ahead in a thrilling battle.
Lot 47. 1951 certificates, awards, photographs & printed ephemera group comprising: - Programmes (4) "Commonwealth Jubilee, Women's Amateur Track and Field Championships of Australia, Sydney Sports Ground, Jan 13, 1951". also Trophy with golden angel over Australian Coat-of-Arms, with engraved plaque "Commonwealth Jubilee Celebrations 1951, Shirley Strickland, 100 Yds, 80 Mtrs Hurdles, 440 Yds, 4x110 Yds Relay." Photograph of Shirley with her trophy from the 1951 Jubilee Games. also Australian Record Certificate _ 80 metres hurdles in 11.2 seconds, 13th January, 1951. NSW Record Certificate _ 80 metres hurdles in 11.2 seconds, 13th January, 1951. WA Record Certificate _ 220 yards in 24.8 seconds, 10th February, 1951. WA Record Certificate _ 100 yards in 10.9 seconds, 17th February, 1951. WA Record Certificate _ 440 yards in 57.9 seconds, 17th February, 1951. WA Record Certificate _ 80 metres hurdles in 11.2 seconds, 22nd December, 1951. WA Record Certificate _ 100 metres in 11.9 seconds, 22nd December, 1951. WA Certificate of Merit _ 1st in 100 yards, 1st in 220 yards, 1st in 440 yards, 1st in 80 metres hurdles, 10th-17th February, 1951. also Silver tea pot, engraved "St.John Ambulance, Jubilee Sport, Northam, 1951, C.H.James Trophy, Women's 80 Metre Hurdle. Won by S.Strickland." also "Girls High School Programme, Eighteenth Annual Athletic Carnival, Subiaco Oval, Thursday October 25th, 1951". "The Athlete", magazine, Spring 1951. "World Sports", magazine, August 1951. "Sports Novels", magazine, March 1951. "Woman's World", magazine, April 1951. "Woman's World", magazine, June 1951 also Other photographs (3) and press clippings.
$2,500 - $5,000
1952 - INCLUDING THE HELSINKI OLYMPIC GAMES
"In March 1952 the AOF announced a team of thirty-five to go to Helsinki and ignited another fierce, quite predictable controversy. Next, nominated individuals and their sports were given the chance to raise their own fares of £750 apiece. Eventually, after much confusion and argument, a contingent of eighty-four competitors, including ten women, flew to Helsinki. Politics had intruded on the Olympics before, most notably in 1936, but the Games of 1952 introduced a new dimension of political rivalry to the Olympic movement. For the first time, the combatants of the Cold War lined up against each other, with both sides seeking to demonstrate through sporting success the virtues of the ideologies they embraced. Halfway across the world, on the Korean peninsula, troops representing the same contrasting ideologies were engaged in bloody warfare. Australia finished the Games with six gold medals _ the richest yield the nation had ever achieved _ and half of them were won by the two women named first in the track and field team: Marjorie Jackson and Shirley Strickland. Jackson established herself as the finest woman sprinter in the world, with magnificent victories in the 100 metres and 200 metres, equaling the world record of 11.5 seconds in the 100. Her victory in the 100 metres, in which team-mates Shirley Strickland and Winsome Cripps finished third and fourth respectively, gave her two historic distinctions: she became the first Australian to win a track gold medal since Edwin Flack fifty-six years earlier, and the first Australian woman ever to win an Olympic track event. Although Jackson was the first Australian track winner since Flack, the second was close behind her. A day after the 100 metres, Shirley Strickland won the 80 metres hurdles; she did so devastatingly, equaling the world record of 11.0 seconds in her heat, running a slightly wind assisted 10.8 in her semi-final, then creating a new mark of 10.9 in the final. Her triumphs that day marked the eclipse of Fanny Blankers-Koen, who had withdrawn with a blood infection after the second round of the 100 metres and been a non-starter in the 200. Fanny's defence of her hurdles title ended in disaster when she crashed at the third hurdle in the final. Shirley's spell atop the victory dais was long and sweet: "When Marj won her gold medal, the band played `God Save the Queen'. There were complaints from the Australians about whether it was the appropriate song. The Finns didn't know what to do, so they played both that and `Advance Australia Fair'. I stood there with the sun sloping across the dais, for what seemed an eternity. It was fantastic" She had just become the first woman ever to win five Olympic medals. It seemed certain that the women's 4 x 100 metres relay team _ Jackson, Strickland, Winsome Cripps and Verna Johnson _ would give Australia a fourth gold medal in women's track events, and demonstrate in the process just how wrong the AAU had been in grading the team. They won their heat easily, breaking the world record with a run that was less than flat-out, and looked to have the final won as Jackson took the baton from Cripps, with a lead of 1 metre, to run the anchor leg. Then came an incident that has passed into Olympic folklore, and will continue to haunt the memories of the participants as long as they live. After the last baton change, on a tight bend between Cripps and Jackson, the baton suddenly flew into the air, bounced on the track and was caught on the rebound by Jackson. In those moments the race was lost. What had happened was this: the baton was passed cleanly, and Jackson was striding away when Cripp's knee collided with her arm, knocking the baton from her grasp. Jackson recalled: "I had covered maybe 4 metres with the baton in my hand and had this great big grin on my face. I was floating on air because I knew this was ours, and suddenly I didn't have the baton any more, and I didn't know why I didn't have it. Because the bend was so sharp Winsome couldn't pull up in time; otherwise she would have run into another lane and been disqualified. So unbeknown to me, she was still running behind me. I had a very high arm action, and once I took the baton I put everything into that arm action to really pump me. Her knee came up as my arm came back with the baton. The headlines said it was a dropped baton, but it was never a dropped baton." The fast pace set by the Australian women helped the winner, the United States, and the second team, Germany, to set a joint record of 45.9 seconds. The Australians tried not to show their hurt in public, and were gracious in defeat, but there were tears later. "Marj and I had our medals," explained Shirley. "We were sad for Winsome and Verna, because they really deserved them." A week later after the Olympic Games, the Australian squad trounced the Americans in an Empire versus United States carnival, lowering the world record again. But that defeat did little to ease their pain." [from "Australia and the Olympic Games" by Harry Gordon]
Lot 48. The Road to Helsinki; an important group, comprising: - Australian Championships, 1st medal, 80 metres hurdles, 11.2 seconds, 28.1.52. Australian Championships, 1st medal, 440 yards, 59.4 seconds, 28.1.52. Australian Championships, 2nd medal, 100 yards, 26.1.52. also WA Record Certificate _ 220 yards in 24.7 seconds, 23rd February, 1952. WA Record Certificate _ 100 yards in 10.8 seconds, 1st March, 1952. WA Certificate of Merit _ 1st in 100 yards, 1st in 220 yards, 1st in 80 metres hurdles, 23rd February _ 1st March, 1952. also "Australian Championships held in Melbourne, 1951-52, Souvenir Programme". "Official Programme, Interstate Track and Field Meeting and Supplementary Olympic Trials, Sydney Sports Ground, Sunday, 2nd February, 1952". Invitation to meet Their Royal Highnesses the Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh at a Garden Party on Monday 3rd March, 1952, at Government House, Perth. "Track and Field Games, Championships of Tasmania, Official Programme, First Day, North Hobart Oval, Saturday, March 15th, 1952". Advertising poster for Shirley Strickland in Tasmanian Championships, North Hobart Ground, Saturday, 15th March, 1952. "Tasmanian Track and Field Games Championships, Official Programme, Second Day, York Park, Launceston, Saturday, March 22nd, 1952" "Olympic Fund Appeal, Athletic Carnival, Presented by VAAA and VWAAA, St.Kilda Cricket Ground, Sunday, 23rd March, 1952. Christmas Card from Edgar Tanner (Victorian MP, manger of 1948 Olympic Team). also "People" magazines (2), February 27, 1952, including article on Shirley Strickland. "Picture Post" magazine, 9 August 1952, signed by Shirley Strickland. "The Wide World Magazine", February 1952 (cover missing). also Photographs (25) including one showing the WA athletes with the 1952 Doris Mulcahy Shield; and press clippings.
$2,000 - $2500
Lot 49. 1952 Pre-Olympics group of documents & photographs comprising: - "Farewell Reception to the Australian Olympic Team, Monday 9th June 1952", programme signed on the back cover by Paavo Simelius, Finnish Charge d'Affaires. Olympic Team Farewell Party _ Shirley Strickland's shield-shaped name tag. "The 1952 Championships, Friday and Saturday June 20-21, White City Stadium, London, Official Programme", with Shirley's notes inside including "Treloar pulled muscle" under 100 yards semi-finals. "Visit to Northern Ireland of the Australian and New Zealand Olympic Athletic Teams, 23rd-26th June, 1952, Itinerary for Tour", with colourful front cover. "International Invitation Sports Meeting, Ravenhill Rugby Football Grounds, Belfast, Wednesday, 25th June, 1952, Programme". Press release relating to the Belfast sports meeting. "Official Programme, 1952, Glasgow Police Sports". Dinner Menu, "City Of Glasgow Police Athletic Association, Dinner, St.Enoch Hotel, 28th June 1952", with 8 signatures including Edwin Carr, John Landy & Percy Wells Cerutty. Invitation to Shirley Strickland to attend The Queen's Afternoon Party at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday, 9th July, 1952. also Photographs (11), one showing the Australian Olympic team on Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, plus two photographs showing Shirley training in London, and another of her signing autographs.
$1,000 - $2,000
Lot 50. World Record Plaque, in bronze, 7 x 10cm: - inscribed on front "IAAF, International Amateur Athletic Federation" and symbol; on reverse, "International Amateur Athletic Federation to" engraved and highlighted in white enamel "S.B.De La Hunty/ M.Jackson/ W.Cripps/ V.Johnson/ Australia", Worlds Records Holder "4 x 110 Yards Relay/ 46.9s/ London, England/ 15.7.1952".
$3,000 - $5,000
Lot 51. 1952 Helsinki Olympics group, comprising: -
1952 Helsinki Olympics Official Identity Card for Shirley Strickland. Small Olympic flag. Helsinki 1952 airmail envelope, unused. Ceramic plate, rectangular in shape, showing Finnish flag and Olympic stadium. Metal matchbox holder, with top showing Olympic rings and view of Helsinki. Serviettes (4). Shirley Strickland's Towel, with Australian Coat-of-Arms and "Australian Olympic Team, Helsinki 1952" incorporated into the design. Ladies silk scarf.
$1,000 - $1,500
Lot 52. 1952 Helsinki Olympics printed material comprising: - "Programme and Prices of Admission Tickets, XVth Olympic Games, Helsinki Finland 1952, 19th July _ 3rd August". "XVos Juegos Olimpicos de Helsinki 1952", signed on the front cover by Shirley Strickland. "XV Olympiad, Official News Service, No.15 June 1952". Postcard showing Opening Ceremony. "Sports Manden", newspaper, Mandag 21 Juli 1952. Official Programme for Athletics, Saturday 26th July 1952 "Track and Field in Finland". "Suomen Voimistelu-Ja Urheiluliitto, Gymnastic and Athletic Union of Finland, 1906-1952". Press releases notifying heats, results, etc: - Nos. 17, 18, 26, 29, 39, 40, 50, 65 & 84. "XV Olympiad, Helsinki 1952", guide published by Shell. "All-Sports Monthly _ Olympic Games Number", NZ magazine, August 1952. "Olympic Games 1952, British Olympic Association Official Report", signed on the front by Shirley Strickland. "Australian Olympic Team at Helsinki 1952" by William T.J.Uren, General Manager. "Olympic Games Helsinki 1952. Australian Track & Field Team Report of Team Manager", signed on front cover by Keith Donald. also "The Athlete", magazine, Summer 1952, signed on the front cover by Shirley Strickland. "World Sports _ Olympic Games Souvenir Number", July 1952, signed on the font cover by Shirley Strickland. "World Sports", November 1952, signed on the front cover by Shirley Strickland. "World Sports", December 1952, signed on the front cover by Shirley Strickland. "Sports Novels _ Olympic Games, Helsinki 1952", July 1952, signed on the front cover by Shirley Strickland. "World Communique _ Olympic Games Number", August and September 1952, signed on the front cover by Shirley Strickland. "Australia _ Olympic Issue", Mar - Apr 1952 (faults).
$500 - $1,000
Lot 53. 1952 Helsinki Olympics letters, photographs, etc., group comprising: - 1952 (16 May) letter from National Fitness Council of WA to Shirley, congratulating her on obtaining selection in the team to represent Australia in the Olympic Games at Helsinki. 1952 (23 July) letter from Harry Hopman in London to Shirley, "Congratulations on that world record. The tennis lads join me in good wishes for continued form somewhere around that mark". 1952 (25 July) postcard from George Post in Netherlands to Shirley at Olympic Village, "Near as fast as a train Australia first. Australia Victory. Congratulation(s)". 1952 (1 Aug) letter from Arthur Postle to Dave Strickland (Shirley's father), regarding Shirley's success at Helsinki, and suggesting she relinquish hurdle practice for a time and concentrate on sprinting entirely. 1955 (24 Aug) postcard showing Helsinki Olympic stadium from a Polish admirer in Helsinki to Shirley in Perth. Hand-written song sheet "Shirley Strickland", words and music by Dick Magree. also Photographs (20), noted team photograph, the Australians marching in the Opening Ceremony, and Paavo Nurmi lighting the Olympic flame. also Collection of press clippings.
$1,000 - $1,500
Lot 54. Original poster for the 1952 Olympic Games, 25 x 39cm, designed by F.Sysimesta and printed in Finland by Oy Tilgmann AB. Horizontal crease but very scarce. Brought back to Australia by Shirley as a momento of her participation in the Games.
$1,000 - $1,500
Lot 55. 1952 Helsinki Olympics, Shirley Strickland's Participation Medal, in bronze, designed by Kauko Rasanen, minted by Veljekset Sundqvist Oy of Helsinki, (54mm diameter). also "Olympic Games 1952, British Olympic Association Official Report", signed by Shirley Strickland. "The Athlete", magazine, Summer 1952. "World Sports _ Olympic Games Souvenir Number", July 1952 also Photograph of the 1952 Australian Olympic team. Postcard showing the Opening Ceremony.
$1,000 - $1,500
Lot 56. 1952 Helsinki Olympics, Shirley Strickland's Official Participants badge for Athletics, 32 x48m, orange ribbon with legend "Yleisurheilu Athletisme". also Photographs (3) showing the Australian women wearing their Official Participants badges on their blazers.
$1,000 - $1,500
Lot 57. 1952 Helsinki Olympics, Bronze Medal awarded to Shirley Strickland for Third place in the 100 metres, in original presentation case. Designed by Giusseppi Cassioli and Aukusti Tuhka, minted by Kultakeskus Oy of Helsinki. also XV Olympia Helsinki 1952, Diploma (35x50cm) inscribed "Shirley Strickland de la Hunty, III P., 100m juoksu", and signed by Erik von Frenckell, President of the Games & with printed signature of J.S.Edstrom, President of International Olympic Committee. (Few water stains at top of diploma). [Note: - The Mens AAU did not approve of Shirley continuing to use Strickland as her surname after her marriage, so against her wishes registered her under both surnames, which created dilemmas for the scoreboard operators and officials at Helsinki.] also Photograph of Shirley winning her Heat of the women's 100 metres. Photograph of the Final of the women's 100 metres, plus trade card showing similar picture. Photograph of the awards ceremony with Marjorie Jackson, Daphne Hasenjager (South Africa) and Shirley Strickland with their medals on the dais. also Press clipping relating to the 100 metres.
The "Lithgow Flash", Marjorie Jackson, won the 100 metres, equaling the world record of 11.5 seconds against a slight headwind, with Australia's Shirley Strickland and Winsome Cripps filling third and fourth places.
$10,000 - $15,000 Lot 58. World Record Plaque, in bronze, 7 x 10cm: - on front "IAAF, Internationl Amateur Athletic Federa- tion" and symbol; on reverse, "International Amateur Athletic Federation to" with engraved and high lighted in white enamel "S.B.De La Hunty/ Australia", Worlds Records Holder "80 Metres Hurdles/ 11.0s/ Helsinki, Finland/ 23.7.1952".
Shirley Strickland broke the world record in her heat of the 80 metres hurdles.
$3,000 - $5,000
Lot 59. 1952 Helsinki Olympics, Gold Medal awarded to Shirley Strickland for First place in the 80 metres hurdles, in original presentation case. Designed by Giusseppi Cassioli and Aukusti Tuhka, minted by Kultakeskus Oy of Helsinki. also XV Olympia Helsinki 1952, Diploma (35x50cm) inscribed "Shirley Strickland de la Hunty, I P., 80m aitajuoksu", and signed by Erik von Frenckell, President of the Games & with printed signature of J.S.Edstrom, President of International Olympic Committee. also Photographs (8) including: - First hurdle in 80 metres hurdles final. Last hurdle in 80 metres hurdles final. Photofinish of the 80 metres hurdles. Final group photo after 80 metres hurdles. Shirley Strickland, Marija Golubichnaja (Russia) & Maria Sander (Germany) with their medals on the dais. Shirley Strickland, Marija Golubichnaja & Maria Sander displaying their Olympic medals. also Press clipping relating to the 80 metres hurdles.
A day after the 100 metres, Shirley Strickland won the 80 metres hurdles; she did so devastatingly, equalling the world record of 11.0 seconds in her heat, running a slightly wind assisted 10.8 in her semi-final, then creating a new mark of 10.9 in the final. Shirley's spell atop the victory dais was long and sweet: "When Marj won her gold medal, the band played `God Save the Queen'. There were complaints from the Australians about whether it was the appropriate song. The Finns didn't know what to do, so they played both that and `Advance Australia Fair'. I stood there with the sun sloping across the dais, for what seemed an eternity. It was fantastic" She had just become the first woman ever to win five Olympic medals.
$25,000 - $35,000 Lot 60. World Record Plaque, in bronze, 7 x 10cm: - on front "IAA, International Amateur Athletic Federa- tion" and symbol; on reverse, "International Amateur Athletic Federation to" with engraved and high lighted in white enamel "S.B.De La Hunty/ Australia", Worlds Records Holder "80 Metres Hurdles/ 10.9s/ Helsinki, Finland/ 24.7.1952".
Shirley smashed her own world record to win the Gold medal in the 80 metres hurdles.
$3,000 - $5,000
Lot 61. World Record Plaque, in bronze, 7 x 10cm: - on front "IAA, International Amateur Athletic Federa- tion" and symbol; on reverse, "International Amateur Athletic Federation to" with engraved and high lighted in white enamel "M.Jackson/ W.Cripps/ V.Johnson/ S.B.De La Hunty/ Australia", Worlds Records Holder "4 x 100 Metres Relay/ 46.1s/ Helsinki, Finland/ 27.7.1952".
The Australian Women's Relay team broke the world record in the heats at Helsinki, entering the final as hot favourites but suffering disqualification because of a "dropped baton".
$3,000 - $5,000
Lot 62. Shirley Strickland's competitors numbers "31", that were sewn onto her running outfit during the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. Two numbers, each 17x17cm. also Photographs (2) of Shirley wearing the number "31" whilst competing at the Helsinki Olympics.
$1,000 - $2,000
Lot 63. 1952 Post-Olympics documents, letters, photographs, etc., comprising: - "Program, Bislett-Lekene, 1952, Etterolympiaden, Bislett Idrettsplass 30 og 31 Juli", programme for Post-Olympic Games in Norway. "Post Olympic British Games, White City Stadium, August 9th, 1952", programme. "Dinner to Athletes and Officials, Post-Olympic British Games, Saturday, 9th August, 1952", dinner menu signed by G.T.Galloway. "Souvenir Programme, Olympic Review Sports, Organized by Darlington Harriers, Feethams Cricket Ground, Darlington, Monday, 11th August, 1952". "Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, Mary Martin in South Pacific", theatre programme. [Attended by some of the Australian Team.] "Dinner in the City Chambers, Edinburgh on Saturday, 23rd August 1952, on the occasion of City of Edinburgh, Sixth Annual Highland Games", dinner menu, with some phone numbers noted on reverse. "Floodlit Athletics, International Inter-City Match, London v Paris v Brussels, White City, Wednesday, Sept. 17th, 1952, Official Programme." also Small album, decorated with Charlottenburg, Olympic and German flags, related to the International Athletics at the Olympic Stadium of Berlin, on September 21st, 1952, on the occasion of the Sports Club of Charlottenburg Jubilee. Includes photographs (28), related to the 1952 Helsinki Olympics and the 1952 Berlin Games; postcards (11), "A visit to the British Sector of Berlin", and cloth badges (2), all with captions hand painted in white. Prepared by the family of Dr Stolze. Stolze correspondence: - 1952 (21 Sept) letter from Dr. Stolze outlining his curriculum vitae as a masseur _ trainer and expressing his desire to immigrate to Australia to help prepare for the 1956 Olympic Games. 1953 (29 Jan) letter from Dr. Stolze to Shirley, thanking Shirley for her help in regard to his immigration to Australia. 1953 (10 Apr) letter from Department of Immigration to Shirley regarding the application for the admission to Australia of Dr. Stolze and his wife. 1953 (10 Apr) letter from Department of Immigration to Shirley regarding the application for the admission to Australia of Miss Ursula Luneberg, Dr. Stolze's daughter. 1953 (3 Aug) postcard from Dr. Stolze at International Games at Berlin Stadium to Shirley, with signatures of 4 athletes including Fanny Blankers-Koen. 1953 (10 Aug) copy of a letter from Australian Military Mission in Berlin to Dr. Stolz, in German. 1953 (18 Aug) letter from Dr. Stolze to Shirley, "The red tape is going to destroy relentlessly my plan" 1953 (28 Aug) letter from Commonwealth Immigration Department to Shirley, "I refer to your application for the admission of Mr. Hanz Stolze and wife. Overseas enquiries reveal that these persons are unable to comply with the conditions of admission to Australia". 1953 (19 Oct) letter from Mrs. Stolze to Shirley, "it is our unshakable belief that we succeed with your kind help in attaining our aim". 1953 (26 Oct) letter from Dr. Stolze to Shirley, advising of a letter received from the Australian Military Mission in Berlin that their daughter, given permission to emigrate on July 10th, had permission withdrawn suddenly on October 22nd. 1953 (5 Nov) card from the Stolze family in Berlin to Shirley. 1953 (11 Nov) letter from Lutheran World Federation, Service to Refugees, to L.E. de la Hunty (Shirley's husband), regarding sponsoring Miss Ursula Lueneburg's emigration to Australia. 1953 (17 Dec) Christmas card from the Stolze family to Shirley. 1954 (15 Feb) card from Dr. Stolze at the Viermachte-Konferenz in Berlin to Shirley. Photographs (5) of Dr. Stolze and his family. also "Fifty Facts about Malta" booklet. also Photographs (4) and press clippings.
$1,000 - $2,000
Lot 64. World Record Plaque, in bronze, 7 x 10cm: - on front "IAAF, International Amateur Athletic Federa- tion" and symbol; on reverse, "International Amateur Athletic Federation to" with engraved and high lighted in white enamel "M.Jackson/ W.Cripps/ V.Johnson/ S.B.De La Hunty/ Australia", Worlds Records Holder "4 x 110 Yards Relay/ 46.3s/ London, England/ 4.8.1952". also Press clippings, one showing the new world record, and two showing the dropped baton at the Helsinki Olympics.
On 4th August, at the British Empire v USA Athletics Meeting at White City in London, the Australian Women's Relay team had their revenge on the Americans after dropping the baton at the Helsinki Olympic Games.
$3,000 - $5,000 Lot 65. British Record Plaque, with enameled Union Jack on silver plaque, attached to wooden stand. Engraved " British Records _ Women/ S.Strickland De La Hunty/ (Australia)/ 80 Metres Hurdles/ 11 Sec./ White City London. 4th August 1952".
Press clipping with the results of the British Empire v USA athletics meeting.
On the same night as the Australian Relay team defeated the Americans in the 440 Yards Relay in world record time, Shirley broke the British record in winning the 80 metres hurdles.
$1,000 - $2,000 Lot 66. Shirley Strickland Welcome Home group comprising: - Plaque with City of Perth Coat-of Arms, engraved "Presented to Shirley Strickland, Olympian Gold Medallist 1952. From the Lord Mayor, Councillors & Citizens of Perth, at a Welcome Home Reception, Perth 6.11.52". Invitation to Mr.L.De La Hunty (Shirley's husband) to a Civic Reception and Welcome to Perth to Shirley Strickland and Verna Johnson. Invitation to Mr.L. De La Hunty to a Civic Luncheon to Shirley Strickland and Verna Johnston. 1952 (4 Nov) letter from W.A. McI.Green, Town Clerk, City of Perth to Mr. De La Hunty with a timetable for the procession from Fremantle Wharf to Perth. Car Badges (2), reading "City of Perth, Shirley Strickland, Welcome Home/ Official Car No.", to be affixed to the lower right of the windscreen. Photographs (2) of the motorcade passing through the streets of Perth. Hand-written drafts (2) of Shirley's speech at the Welcome Home. Press clipping relating to the Welcome Home procession and civic reception.
$2,500 - $3,000 Lot 67. Trophy with athlete holding torch, silver plaque on base reads, " For Meritorious Effort in the Field of Youth Service, Awarded to, Shirley Strickland, By the Association of National Fitness Leaders (WA), 1952". Very attractive.
$1,000 - $2,000
Lot 68. Pen and ink drawing of Shirley hurdling at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, signed indistinctly at lower right, window mounted, framed and glazed, overall 44 x 38 cm.
$200 - $400
1953-54 - The Wilderness Years
Now began a period of trouble in the mighty career of Shirley Strickland. After the birth of her son, Phillip, in September 1953, she recommenced her training in December and, well before the deadline for entries, was twice able to reach the hurdles qualifying time of 11.5 for the Vancouver Empire Games. Very ill with influenza during Australian Championships in February 1954, she did not run in the 100 metres and was unplaced in the hurdles following a break, which the starter failed to acknowledge. Shirley actually picked up the starter's gunshot echo from a large glazed building behind, and judged it to be a recall. Unfortunately, none of the other competitors made the same mistake. This problem has caused several international 400 metres sprinters and hurdlers to stop in similar circumstances _ a fatal error. Having failed to place in either event, she was omitted from the Empire Games team and much press speculation and controversy followed. This controversy was heightened when officials declared that Strickland had not been selected, as she had not made the qualifying time (which she had, twice!). It was then revealed that Australia's second hurdler for the Games team had not actually qualified, although selected on the basis of her second place in the Australian Championships. Shirley then added further coal to the fires by revealing that she had been asked by the Western Australia officials to stand down from the 100 metres to ensure that the hurdles title went to Western Australia. This she had done, unaware that the first four placegetters in the 100 metres gained automatic games selection. The drama was finally played out when Strickland's application to compete
at Vancouver at her own expense as an independent was turned down by the
Australian Women's Amateur Athletic Union. It seemed to Shirley Strickland
that she had been given a `rough deal' by officialdom and it rankled.
Worse was to come, however, when anonymous mail
It was certainly the low point of Strickland's career, but she met the challenge as she met every other challenge.
Lot 69. Australian Championships, 2nd medal, 4 x 110 Yards Relay, Western Australia, 47.0 seconds, 1.3.1954, additionally engraved "Shirley Strickland" on edge. also WA Certificate of Merit _ 1st in 100 yards, 1st in 80 metres hurdles & 1st in 220 yards, 6th _ 13th March, 1954. also 1953 (26 Mar) letter from Editor of "The West Australian" to Mr.Strickland (Shirley's father), rejecting Mr.Strickland's complaint "In our files there is not a single reference suggesting that Miss Strickland is a communist". 1954 (26 Dec) letter to Shirley, enclosing press cuttings from Sydney papers. also "The Modern Athlete", magazine, issue No.1 March 1953, signed on the front cover by Shirley Strickland. "World Sports", magazine, January 1953, signed on the front cover by Shirley Strickland. "World Sports", magazine, February 1953, signed on the front cover by Shirley Strickland. "World Sports", magazine, March 1953, signed on the front cover by Shirley Strickland. "World Sports", magazine, April 1953, signed on the front cover by Shirley Strickland. "World Sports", magazine, May 1953, signed on the front cover by Shirley Strickland. "World Sports", magazine, June 1953, signed on the front cover by Shirley Strickland. "Digest of Digests", magazine (faults), April 1953, with article on Shirley titled "Glamour Girl of the Olympics". "Our Women" magazine, July _ September 1954. "Our Women" magazine, October _ December 1954, with exclusive interview with Shirley Strickland titled "Golden Girl". also A collection of related press clippings.
$500 - $1,000
1955 - including the Youth Festival in Warsaw, Poland
For Shirley, the season of 1955 was virtually a comeback season, with her eyes firmly fixed on the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. Four times in 1955 she clocked 11.1 over the hurdles, the fastest ever recorded in Australia as well as recording 11.2 three times. On several occasions she ran 100 yards in 10.9 which equaled her best ever and covered the 220 yards in 24.3 which was another personal best. Invited to run at the Youth Festival in Warsaw that year and with the blessing of the Australian Government, she again had life made difficult by the Women's Amateur Athletic Union. It insisted that this married thirty-year old veteran of two Olympic Games and numerous overseas tours, be accompanied by a chaperone, or not be allowed to compete! When she finally got to Warsaw _ without a chaperone _ Shirley Strickland set a world 100 metres record of 11.3. Lot 70. Certificates, letters & documents from this important year, comprising: - WA Record Certificate _ 220 Yards in 24.5 Seconds, 31st January 1955. Australian Record Certificate _ 80 Metres Hurdles in 11.1 Seconds, 5th February 1955. WA Record Certificate _ 80 Metres Hurdles in 11.1 Seconds, 5th February 1955. WA Record Certificate _ 220 Yards in 24.3 Seconds, 5th March 1955. WA Record Certificate _ 100 Yards in 10.7 Seconds, 3rd December 1955. WA Certificate of Merit _ 1st in 100 Yards, 1st in 220 Yards, 1st in 440 Yards & 1st in 80 Metres Hurdles, 19th February _ 5th March 1955. also 1955 (3 Feb) 4-page letter from Arthur Postle in Queensland to Shirley, opens "Reading about your fast running over the hurdles has given me quite a thrill and I feel I must write to congratulate you, on the wonderful tenacity and determination you have displayed. Perhaps you may recall, that when you were in Brisbane, some years ago, I predicted that you would probably do your best running at about the age you are now." 1955 (4 Feb) WA School of Deportment _ Modelling Certificate awarded to Shirley Strickland. "Alert", magazines (2), August 1955, one signed on front cover by Shirley Strickland. "Cobblers", newspaper, December 1, 1955, with article "Interview with Shirley Strickland. 1955 (30 Mar) copy of a letter from Robin Gray, Senior Lecturer in Physical
Education at the University of WA, to the Australian Amateur Athletic
Association, advising that he is considering offering Shirley a position
as a part-time lecturer in the Department of Physical Education, and wishes
to inquire how this 1955 (12 April) copy of a letter from The Amateur Athletic Union of Australia to the University of WA, replying that Shirley's Amateur Status would not be impaired by appointment to the position described. 1955 (16 July) 5-page letter from J.T.Weir to Shirley's father, regarding Shirley's trip to Poland. also Collection of press clippings. Extraordinary triple-exposure photograph showing Shirley's hurdles technique.
$1,000 - $1,500
Lot 71. 1955 Second International Friendly Sports Meeting of Youth in Warsaw group, comprising: - Shirley Strickland's Identity Card. Metal badge with Polish eagle surmounted with enamel emblem of the Festival (some enamel missing). Ladies Scarf, with "World Festival of Youth and Students For Peace and Friendship. Warsaw. 1955" in four languages. Silk Handkerchief. Large triangular shaped stickers (2). Cloth badge of the Austrian Team with underneath "WARSCHAU 1955". "Guide for the participants of the II International Friendly Sports Meeting of Youth". "Rules and Programme of the Second International Friendly Sports Meeting of Youth" (2). "Warszawa" booklet. "World Youth" magazine, October 1955. "Rumanian People's Republic _ Glimpses of Sport Life". Russian magazine with article on Shirley Strickland. Song Sheet "Spiewajmy".
$500 - $1,000 Lot 72. 1955 Second International Friendly Sports Meeting of Youth in Warsaw group, comprising: - Press Release, 1 August, in English, with details of the Sports Meeting and Opening Ceremony, 10 pages. Press Release, 2 August, in Polish, with results of all the day's events, 12 pages _ includes 80 m Hurdles heats and final. Press Release, 3 August, in Polish & French, with results of all the day's events, 20 pages _ includes 100 metres heats. Press Release, 4 August, in Polish & French, with results of all the day's events, 29 pages _ includes 100 metres semi-finals & final. Press Release, 5 August, in Polish & French, with results of all the day's events, 23 pages _ includes 200 metres semi-finals. Press Release, 6 August, in Polish & French, with results of all the day's events, 27 pages _ includes 200 metres final. Press Release, 7 August, in Polish & French, with results of all the day's events, 20 pages. Press Release, 8 August, in Polish & French, with results of all the day's events, 21 pages. Press Release, 9 August, in Polish & French, with results of all the day's events, 15 pages. Press Release, 10 August, in Polish & French, with results of all the day's events, 18 pages. Press Release, 11 August, in Polish & French, with results of all the day's events, 12 pages. also "Festival", newspaper _ issued in the lead up and during the Festival, issues No.2, 5, 7, 18, 20, 26, 27, 28 & 29. [No.20 in German, others in English].
$500 - $1,000 Lot 73. 1955 Second International Friendly Sports Meeting of Youth in Warsaw, letters & photographs group, comprising: - 1955 (13 Apr) letter from Australian Women's Amateur Athletic Union to Shirley, conveying an invita- tion from the Polish Amateur Athletic Federation to compete at the Second International Sports Meeting of Youth at Warsaw on August 1-14, 1955. 1955 (27 Apr) letter from Paul Hasluck, Minister for Territories, to Shirley, "You asked me for advice about accepting an invitation to compete at an athletics meeting in Poland next August First of all, I assume that you have satisfied yourself that the meeting will be conducted, considered solely as a sporting fixture, that you will not be required to take part in anything except the athletic events Sec- ondly, from enquiries I have made, I think you can assume that, if you decide to go, there will be no difficulty, so far as the Australian authorities are concerned, in obtaining the usual travel facilities. There remains the question whether, by attending the meeting, you will meet unpleasantness as the results of attempts to implicate you in communist activities I would say that you should go." 1955 (10 June) telegram from Doris Magee to Shirley, "Poland cabled acceptance your visit". 1955 (21 June) letter from Doris Magee of AWAAU to Shirley, "I regret to have to advise you that Poland has decided that it will not meet the additional cost of Manageress to accompany you to Warsaw and Mr. Hodsdon has cabled cancellation of trip"; plus summary of cables from Polish AA Federation and AAU of Australia. 1955 (7 July) copy of item broadcast on ABC News Service, "Western Australia's champion woman hurdler, Miss Shirley Strickland, has been given permission by the Australian Women's Athletic Union to compete in the International Sports Festival in Warsaw" 1955 (5 Aug) letter from Sir A.Noble, British Ambassador, to Shirley in Warsaw, "Congratulations on the world record! I am sorry that I did not see you do it; but I did have the pleasure of seeing you sweep through a semi-final with the greatest of ease, and of course, I also saw you in Helsinki in 1952." 1955 (9 Aug) letter from VAAA to Dr.L.Mogyorosy in Perth, regarding inviting three Hungarian athletes to visit Melbourne in February and March. 1955 (26 Aug) letter from Jerzy Dabrowski in Warsaw to Shirley, requesting her to send medicine and money. 1955 (27 Oct) letter from Arthur Hodsdon of AAU of Australia to Shirley, thanking her for memento of her Polish trip, and congratulating her on grand performances in Warsaw. 1955 (19 Nov) postcard from a fan in Rotterdam to Shirley. 1955 (17 Dec) postcard from a Polish journalist in Warsaw to Shirley. 1955 (Dec) Christmas card from Christina Seger. also Shirley's hand-written notes for a speech on her return from Poland. also Collection of press clippings (Polish, Russian and Australian) and newspapers. Large collection of photographs (100+) and postcards (5).
$1,500 - $2,000
Lot 74. 1955 Warsaw Games, Gold Medal awarded to Shirley Strickland for First place in the 80 metres hurdles, in original presentation case. also II-gie Miedzynarodowe Igrzyska Sportowe Mtodzieezy, Diploma, inscribed "Shirley De La Hunty, I, bieg 80m pizez plotki _11.1", and with photograph of the three placegetters, Shirley De La Hunty, Galina Grinwald (USSR) and Gisela Kohler (Germany). also Photographs (3) and press clipping relating to the 80 metres hurdles.
$5,000 - $8,000
Lot 75. 1955 Warsaw Games, Gold Medal awarded to Shirley Strickland for First place in the 100 metres, in original presentation case. also II-gie Miedzynarodowe Igrzyska Sportowe Mtodzieezy, Diploma, inscribed "Shirley De La Hunty, I, bieg na 100m kobiet 11.3", and with photograph of the three placegetters, Shirley De La Hunty, Vera Neszmeyi (Hungary) and Zinaida Safronova (USSR).
$5,000 - $8,000
Lot 76. World Record Plaque, in bronze, 7 x 10cm: - on front "IAAF, International Amateur Athletic Federa- tion" and symbol; on reverse, "International Amateur Athletic Federation to" with engraved and high- lighted in white enamel "S.De La Hunty/ Australia", Worlds Records Holder "100 Metres 11.3s/ War- saw, Poland/ 4.8.1955". also Press Release, 3 August, in Polish & French, with results of all the day's events, 20 pages _ includes 100 metres heats. Press Release, 4 August, in Polish & French, with results of all the day's events, 27 pages _ includes 100 metres semi-finals & final. also Collection of press clippings related to 100 metres. also Photographs (7), noted: - Shirley with competitors from Poland (2) and China, signed on reverse by Marya Kusion. Shirley warming up prior to the start of the 100 metres final. Start of the 100 metres final, just after the gun. Finish of 100 metres final. (2 photos). Photo-finish photograph (vertical crease). Three placegetters on the dais with their medals.
$3,000 - $5,000
Lot 77. 1955 Warsaw Games, Bronze Medal awarded to Shirley Strickland for Third place in the 200 metres, in original presentation case. also II-gie Miedzynarodowe Igrzyska Sportowe Mtodzieezy, Diploma, inscribed "Shirley De La Hunty, III, bieg 200m kobiet - 24.5", and with photograph of the three placegetters, Zinaida Safronova (USSR), Maria Itkina (USSR) and Shirley De La Hunty. also Photograph of Shirley and Zinaida Safranova. Photograph of Shirley with Polish athlete Gena Minnicka, signed by Minnicka on reverse. also Press clipping relating to the 200 metres.
$3,000 - $5,000 Lot 78. Shirley Strickland's 1955 Autograph Book, with many autographs of athletes at the 1955 Warsaw Games, noted Emil Zatopek, Fred Lane (winner of 2 gold medals for Australia at the 1900 Paris Olympics) & John Landy; plus famous Australian athletes including Dawn Fraser (twice) & Betty Cuthbert (twice). An extraordinary collection of 43 signatures.
$1,500 - $2,000 Lot 79. Superb hand-tinted photograph of Shirley Strickland on her return from Warsaw, window mounted, framed and glazed, overall 44 x 54cm. Presented to Shirley Strickland. With 12 signatures on reverse including Hugh Weir (President of AAA of Australia & IOC member), P.D.Hile (Lord Mayor), James T.Weir, Doris Magee (Chaperon, 1948 London Olympics) & Syd Grange (Swimming Manager, 1952 Helsinki Olympics). One of the signatures dated October 1955.
$1,000 - $1,500
Lot 80. INTERNATIONAL HONOUR The 1955 Helms World Trophy Award, heavy silver-plated plaque in original wooden case. The trophy engraving includes, "Helms World Trophy _ Created by Paul H.Helms to Honor the Fore- most Amateur Athlete on Each Continent of the World, Annually, With Selections dating from 1896". There are six spaces engraved with the names of the continents and the winners from each. also 1956 (19 Jan) special press release by Helms Athletic Foundation in Los Angeles, announcing the winners of the 1955 Helms World Trophies: - Jan Barnard (South Africa) Athlete of the Year for Africa Hideo Hamamura (Japan) Athlete of the Year for Asia Shirley Strickland De La Hunty (Australia) Athlete of the Year for Australasia Sandor Iharos (Hungary) Athlete of the Year for Europe Patricia McCormick (USA) Athlete of the Year for North America Oswaldo Suarez (Argentina) Athlete of the Year for South America also Photographs (2) of the Lord Mayor of Perth (Mr.H.R.Howard) presenting the Helms World Trophy to Shirley Strickland. [Note: Herb Elliot won the Helms Award in 1958.] also Press clippings relating to the Helms Trophy.
$5,000 - $8,000
1956 - INCLUDING THE MELBOURNE OLYMPIC GAMES
Criticism again came Shirley Strickland's way early in 1956. It was said that she preferred disqualification to defeat when she broke twice and was disqualified in the Australian Championships. This time Shirley heard a sound from the crowd which she instantly identified as the starter's recall gun _ again a fatal error. Later Shirley's amateur status was queried after her picture appeared on cigarette carton labels. Used to it by now, Strickland shrugged it off and was ultimately the first Australian to enter the Olympic Village when it opened in 1956. Named captain of the women's athletic team, she was third in her heat of the 100 metres in a disappointing 11.9, a time which eliminated her from the semi-finals. Betty Cuthbert, mouth agape, won the 100 metres, Australia's first gold medal of the Games, ahead of Germany's Christina Stubnick and Australia's Marlene Mathews. In the 200 metres Betty Cuthbert got away fast, running one lane inside her German rival, passed Stubnick at 80 metres, and cleared away to win her second gold medal and equal Marjorie Jackson's Olympic record of 23.4 seconds. Stubnick was second, Mathews third and Australia's Norma Croker fourth; it was the first and only time in Olympic history that the medallists in the two sprints finished in identical order. Between Betty Cuthbert's two individual victories came a performance from Shirley Strickland that she would always regard as her ultimate triumph. By then thirty-one, a mother and a teacher in physics and mathematics at Perth Technical College, she successfully defended the 80 metres hurdles title she had won at Helsinki. Not only that, but she beat Gisela Kohler (Germany) decisively (with Australia's Norma Thrower third) to win the final in Olympic record time of 10.7 seconds. The victory made her the first Australian woman to win gold at successive Olympics. Strickland had been disappointed at being run out in the heats of the 100 metres, at a time when she held the world record. "I was running so well at the time, better than at any other time in my career," she recalled years later. "I could never work out what happened. After the Games somebody asked me what lane I'd run in, and I told them it had been lane five. They said, "That explains it. Nobody ran well in that lane in straight sprints at the Games. "I don't know. It was a newly laid track, and just possibly it was super-soft. I could never explain my run in the 100 heat, but I know it made me more determined that no one was going to catch me in the 80 metres hurdles." Australia possessed such a brace of fine sprinters that it had to be favorite for the 4 x 100 metres women's relay. At the Olympic trials a squad of six women were named, from whom the final team would be chosen. They were Strickland (the only veteran of Helsinki in the women's team), Cuthbert, Mathews, Croker, Fleur Mellor and Gloria Cooke. Cuthbert, Mathews and Mellor had been members (with Nancy Fogarty) of the New South Wales relay quartet which had won the 1956 national title. Ten days before the Games, the final four names were announced: Cuthbert, Strickland, Mellor, Croker. The omission of Marlene Mathews, Australia's most consistent winner of 1956, caused an uproar of protest, and it increased after she demonstrated in both the 100 metres and 200 metres finals that she was the third fastest woman in the world. Marlene was devastated, and the hurt still showed many years later. "To this very day," she said in a National Library oral history interview in 1981, "I've had no explanation, except for the fact possibly that they said I wasn't reliable enough when changing a baton. But that was the only excuse they gave me, although I trained with the relay squad right up until the day before they announced the team. It was a rather trying experience to sit up in the grandstand" Apart from the personal trauma involved in the loss of a potential gold medal for Mathews, it was an issue on which two key members of the team had conflicting views _ views they retained through the years. Interviewed in 1992, Shirley Strickland described the affair as a disaster. "I think she was shockingly treated," she said. "I was told that the New South Wales people thought she wasn't a good changer, but they didn't give her a chance It was just a New South Wales concept that she couldn't change well, and I don't think there was any evidence to support it." Betty Cuthbert wrote in her book Golden Girl in 1966 that she believed the selectors made a wise decision, and added: "She [Fleur Mellor] had proved in the past to be a champion relay runner, particularly round a curve, and apart from this she was fresh whereas the rest of us had been competing all week." Reminded of the Strickland view during an interview, she said enigmatically: "The selectors had their reasons. Shirley didn't know what happened in New South Wales." The relay team did perform magnificently, beating Germany to create a
world record of 44.9 seconds in the heat, then breaking that record to
win the final from Great Britain in 44.5 seconds. In the United States
team, which finished third, was a black runner, Wilma Rudolph, who would
go on to win gold medals in both sprints and the relay in Rome four years
later. To Doris Carter, manager of the women's team, the performance of
the relay team justified the controversial judgement of the selectors,
Doris Magee (NSW), Lil Neville (Vic) and Gwen Bull (WA). Shirley Strickland
took another view: "All it means is that Marlene was deprived of
a gold medal." Until Doris Magee commentated on the preparation
"Our task was to choose the best team to represent Australia. The team we chose broke two world records and won the gold medal. The truth was that we felt there might have been some risk in selecting Marlene. She was simply not a relay runner. Other skills come into it, and not just changing batons. There are matters of judgement, when to start a run at the back of a change, when to hand over, making sure you don't overrun, completing the whole process in a limited distance, running on a curve rather than straight. We had to ensure there was no possibility of disqualification, and, judging on Marlene's record we felt it best to have someone else." For Betty Cuthbert and Shirley Strickland, that relay gold medal had even greater than normal significance. It made Betty the first Australian, male or female, ever to win three gold medals at a single Olympics, and it gave Shirley the record tally of seven medals: two golds from Melbourne, a gold and bronze from Helsinki, a silver and two bronzes from London. [from "Australia and the Olympic Games" by Harry Gordon] Lot 81. 1956 medals, certificates, letters & photographs, comprising: - Australian Championships, 1st medal, 440 Yards, 1956. Australian Championships, 2nd medal, 100 Yards, 1956. also WA Record Certificate _ 200 Metres in 24.5 Seconds, 3rd March, 1956. WA Certificate of Merit _ 1st in 100 Yards, 1st in 220 Yards, 1st in 440 Yards, 25th Feb _ 10th March, 1956. British Empire and Commonwealth Record Certificates (2) _ 4 x 100 metres Relay in 44.5 Seconds, 1st December, 1956. NSW Record Certificate _ 440 Yards Relay in 45.6 Seconds, 5th December, 1956. also 1956 (1 Apr) Easter card from Eastern Europe to Shirley. 1956 (19 Apr) letter [in Russian] from editor of "Komsamerka Pravda" in Moscow to Shirley, in preparation for 6th International Festival for Youth & Students in Summer of 1957, all VIPs from past festivals have been invited to send their thoughts. Brochure in Russian "City of Sport _ Lenin Central Sport Stadium in Moscow". 1956 (8 May) 8-page letter from Bill Edwards of Broken Hill to Shirley, "Your letter to hand of the 2nd inst. And to hear, that there is a breath of suggestion, that your visit to Broken Hill was not that of a true blue amateur, leaves me speechless for the moment _ but I am quite willing to elaborate on it as fully as any person or committee desires me to do" 1956 (17 June) letter from Arthur Postle to Shirley, regarding the controversies of the Australian Championships in Brisbane, "They were a muddled set up any how. Brisbane management of athletes are always clumsy, they make me sick". 1956 (9 Sept) letter from A.J.Hodson of The Amateur Athletic Union of Australia to Shirley, "felt it was desirable to take full precautions pending receipt of a Ruling from the IAAF". 1956 (7 Dec) letter from William D.Cox in New York to Shirley, seeking permission to use Shirley's picture on a postage stamp of a sovereign government [Dominican Republic]. 1956 (27 Dec) telegram to Shirley inviting her to compete in New Zealand from 24th January for two weeks or longer. also Photographs (7), including one signed by Shirley in 1956; and collection of press clippings.
$1,000 - $1,500
Lot 82. The Cigarette Packet Controversy 1956 (25 Apr) letter from Michelides Limited to Theo Treacy of WA Amateur Athletic Association, "We have learned with regret that you have raised objections to the acceptance by Miss Shirley Strickland and Mr. Herb Elliott of our invitations to them to participate in `Sport Club Gallery', a feature of our Sport Club cigarette packet" 1956 (26 Apr) letter from Herb Elliott to Shirley, "The attached letters have gone to Theo Treacy today _ as well as one from Mr.Williams. Thought you would like to see them." 1956 (26 Apr) signed copy of a letter from Herb Elliott to T.Treacy (WAAAA), "I was surprised and concerned to hear from you that my amateur status has been endangered by my picture being used on Sports Club cigarette packets" 1956 (26 Apr) copy of a letter (from Herb Elliott Senior) to T.Treacy (WAAAA), "It was a surprise to hear that Herb Junior had endangered his amateur status by becoming one of the several sporting identities to appear in Sports Club, published by Michelides Ltd. As you know, I have served amateur sports in several capacities and fields for many years _ and I gave Herb my permission to join the `Gallery', without his receiving any inducement or reward _ because no thought of status crossed my mind" also Press clippings related to the Cigarette Packet Controversy.
$500 - $800
Lot 83. 1956 Melbourne Olympics group comprising: - Shirley Strickland's Identity Card. Shirley Strickland's Meal Card. Ticket to Athletics on December 1, signed by Shirley Strickland. Shirley Strickland's Invitation to Luncheon from Commandant of Olympic Village.
$1,000 - $1,500 Lot 84. 1956 Olympics printed material comprising: - "Cortina 1956, VII Olympic Winter Games" brochure, signed by Shirley Strickland. "Official Guide, XVI Olympiad, Melboune, 1956". "Olympic Cavalcade of Sports" by John V. Grombach. "Two Free Maps, with compliments of Parlorcars, Happy Day Tours, Specially Prepared For Olympic Visitors", brochure. Serviette with Olympic motifs. Plastic Ashtray with Olympic rings, etc. Reprints of Melbourne Olympics poster (7). "1956 Olympic Games Results and Records". "A Village is Built. Olympic Village, XVI Olympiad Melbourne". "XVIth Olympiad, Melbourne Australia 22 Nov. _ 8 Dec. 1956", booklet, signed by Shirley Strickland. "Opening Ceremony, Main Stadium (Melbourne Cricket Ground), Thursday November 22nd 1956 at 3.00 p.m., Official Souvenir Programme" (faults). "Athletics, Main Stadium, Friday, 23rd November, 1956, Official Programme". "Athletics, Main Stadium, Saturday, 24th November, 1956, Official Programme". "Athletics, Main Stadium, Monday, 26th November, 1956, Official Programme". "Athletics, Main Stadium, Tuesday, 27th November, 1956, Official Programme". "Athletics, Main Stadium, Wednesday, 28th November, 1956, Official Programme". "Athletics, Main Stadium, Thursday, 29th November, 1956, Official Programme", with results written in. "Athletics, Main Stadium, Friday, 30th November, 1956, Official Programme". "Athletics, Main Stadium, Saturday, 1st December, 1956, Official Programme". "Hockey, Olympic Park Hockey Field, Friday, 23rd November to Friday, 30th November, 1956, Official Programme". "Football Final and Closing Ceremony, Saturday, Dec. 8, 1956, 2-15p.m., Melbourne Cricket Ground, Programme". "Current Affairs Bulletin, The Olympic Games, October 15, 1956", signed by Shirley Strickland. "Olympic Games Melbourne 1956, Australian Team Reports", endorsed to Shirley by the author William T.Uren. "The Games of the Sixteenth Olympiad, Melbourne MCMLVI", signed by Shirley Strickland. "The Olympic Games, Melbourne 1956", signed by Shirley Strickland. "Australia Your Host", signed by Shirley Strickland. "Sport in Czechoslovakia", endorsed to, and signed, by Shirley Strickland. "Festschrift _ II Deutsche Turn Und Sportfest, Leipzig August 1956", with 4 colour photographs. "Pix", magazine, December 8, 1956. "Pix", magazine, December 15, 1956, signed by Shirley Strickland. "Pix", magazine, December 22, 1956, signed by Shirley Strickland. "The Australian Women's Weekly", magazine, December 12, 1956, signed by Shirley Strickland. "The Australian Women's Weekly", magazine, December 19, 1956.
$1,000 - $1,500
Lot 85. 1956 Melbourne Olympics, important archive of original letters, photographs and other documents comprising: - 1956 (Nov) letter from Bulgarian athletes at Melbourne to Shirley, memories of their meeting with her at Warsaw, "We wish her the best of luck on the track". 1956 (1 Nov) letter from Stefan Mackiewicz to Shirley, best wishes for Olympics. 1956 (6 Nov) letter from George in Sofia to Shirley, thanking her for invitation to the Games. 1956 (9 Nov) letter from Gordon Young, Director of Physical Education, Department of Education, to Shirley, requiring details for an autobiography. 1956 (15 Nov) letter from George Sauchev in Sofia, Bulgaria, to Shirley, enclosing photographs of Shirley at Warsaw in 1955. 1956 (18 Nov) letter from Brian Jones of Cardiff to Shirley, wishing her every success in the Games. 1956 (22 Nov) letter from University of Western Australia to Shirley at Olympic Village, congratulations and good wishes. 1956 (25 Nov) postcard from Margaret Healy to Shirley at Olympic Village, "All the very best" 1956 (26 Nov) lettercard from Bill English to Shirley, "good wishes for the hurdles on Wednesday". 1956 (27 Nov) letter from Archers-women of Warsaw to Shirley, "We heard from the press of your unexpected failure and surely this news we felt deeply as much as you", with six signatures including J.Spychajowa. 1956 (28 Nov) card from `The lady (with the invalid husband in the car) you spoke to, & who watched you train at Royal Park, to Shirley, "Heartiest Congratulations". 1956 (28 Nov) letter from Adel Hayward to Shirley, "here is one mother who did appreciate that autograph". 1956 (28 Nov) letter from Berkowska in Warsaw to Shirley, with best wishes, press clipping and photograph. 1956 (29 Nov) telegram from Marjory Caw to Shirley, "Glorious Victory". 1956 (29 Nov) letter from Betty Coulson to Shirley, congratulations. 1956 (29 Nov) letter from Paul Hasluck to Shirley, "I am just leaving Melbourne to return to the job at Canberra and I want to offer my warm congratulations on your great victory this afternoon. I had stayed back in Melbourne for a day in the full confidence that I would see it and it was one of the great mo- ments of my life to see you hit the tape. You could not possibly have recognised my voice among the tens of thousands who were yelling with delight and pride _ hence this note! Your second world record puts you in a place which, so far as I know, no other Australian has achieved." 1956 (29 Nov) letter from Archie Walker to Shirley, "my wife and I joined thousands of other well wishers in being thrilled with your magnificent victory in the 80 metre hurdles yesterday". 1956 (29 Nov) letter from Bruce Warrell to Shirley, congratulations. 1956 (29 Nov) card from Vera Sheraton to Shirley, "Congratulations on your success". 1956 (29 Nov) letter from Irene Evans to Shirley, "Congratulations on your amazing athletic achieve ments for Australia and for being a very fine sportswoman in every way". 1956 (29 Nov) letter from Anna Krasuska in Warsaw to Shirley, with best wishes, press clipping and photograph. 1956 (Nov) letter from Henry Ford to Shirley, "You were wonderful. For the first time in my life I could not control my feelings". 1956 (30 Nov) letter from Arthur Postle to Shirley, "Your lucky star seemed to be shining in Melbourne. What a wonderful effort the British girls made. How the finishing girl was able to almost hold Betty Cuthbert over the final hundred is hard to believe. I think Cuthbert must have been tired and off her running" 1956 (30 Nov) letter from M.Szatanscy in Warsaw to Shirley, enclosing press clippings from Polish newspapers. 1956 (1 Dec) letter from Henry to Shirley, "The relay this afternoon was exciting too and I held my breath at every changeover as I couldn't forget the `dropped baton' at Helsinki". 1956 (1 Dec) letter from W. McRae Russell, Australian Literature Society, to Shirley, congratulations. 1956 (3 Dec) aerogramme from Ramendu Das Gupta in India to Shirley, congratulations. Envelopes (4) of letters written to Shirley at the Olympic Village. 1956 (3 Dec) folder of postcards of Moscow with message to Shirley in Russian, translates "As a sign of greatest Friendship". 1996 (11 Nov) fax from Museum of Western Australian Sport to Shirley, requesting assistance in identifying a photograph. also Hand-written notes for a speech given by Shirley on behalf of her team-mates. also Huge collection of press clippings and newspapers. "Telegraph" newspaper poster, Thursday 29th November, "1952 1956/ SHIRLEY AGAIN!" "Sunday Telegraph" newspaper poster, Sunday 2nd December "THOSE GLORIOUS GIRLS!" also Photographs (24).
$2,000 - $4,000
Lot 86. 1956 Melbourne Olympics, Australian Team Blazer, with Australian Coat-of-Arms & "OLYMPIC GAMES 1956/ LONDON 1948/ HELSINKI 1952" embroidered on pocket, "Mrs De La Hunty" name on tag inside. Couple minor holes where pins have been attached to lapel. An important & rare item. also Group of photographs: - The five WA Medal winners in their uniforms (2). Opening Ceremony. also "The Sun" newspaper (incomplete), Friday November 23 1956. "Pix" magazine (missing covers), December 22, 1956.
$5,000 - $10,000
Lot 87. Shirley Strickland's 1956 Melbourne Olympics Participation Medal, in bronze, designed by Andor Meszaros, minted by K.G.Luke of Melbourne, 63mm diameter. also "Athletics, Main Stadium, Wednesday, 28th November, 1956, Official Programme". "Athletics, Main Stadium, Friday, 30th November, 1956, Official Programme" (2). "Pix", magazine, December 15, 1956. "Pix", magazine, December 22, 1956. also Photographs (2) of Opening Ceremony and Shirley winning 80 metres hurdles. Press clipping showing one of the women's officials with her Participation medal.
$1,000 - $1,500
Lot 88. 1956 Melbourne Olympics, Gold Medal awarded to Shirley Strickland for First place in the 80 metres hurdles, in original presentation case. Designed by Giusseppi Cassioli, minted by K.G.Luke of Melbourne. Engraved around edge "Shirley Strickland. 80 Metre H." also Olympic Games Melbourne 1956, Diploma (58x45cm) inscribed "1st, Athletics 80 Metres Hurdles (Women), S.B.Strickland - Australia", and with printed signatures of Avery Brundage, IOC President, Robert Menzies, President of the Games & W.S.Kent Hughes, Chairman of the Organizing Committee. also "Athletics, Main Stadium, Tuesday, 27th November, 1956, Official Programme". "Athletics, Main Stadium, Wednesday, 28th November, 1956, Official Programme". also "Telegraph" newspaper poster, Thursday 29th November, "1952 1956/ SHIRLEY AGAIN!" Press clipping relating to the 80 metres hurdles. also Photographs (9) including: - Opening Ceremony. Group of Australian runners including Shirley Strickland, Betty Cuthbert, Fleur Mellor & Norma Croker. Shirley winning her heat of the 80 metres hurdles. After 80 metres hurdles heat in 10.8 sec. Going over hurdle in 80 metres hurdles final. Finish of the 80 metres hurdles (2). Shirley on the winners dais. Scoreboard during victory presentation.
In defending her individual Gold Medal from the 1952 Helsinki Games, Shirley Strickland had achieved true iconic status. $30,000 - $50,000
Lot 89. 1956 Melbourne Olympics, Gold Medal awarded to Shirley Strickland for First place in the 4 x 100 metres Relay, in original presentation case. Designed by Giusseppi Cassioli, minted by K.G.Luke of Melbourne. also Olympic Games Melbourne 1956, Diploma (58x45cm) inscribed "1st, Athletics 4 x 100 M. Relay (Women), S.B.Strickland - Australia", and with printed signatures of Avery Brundage, IOC President, Robert Menzies, President of the Games & W.S.Kent Hughes, Chairman of the Organizing Committee. also Press clipping relating to the 4 x 100 metres relay. also Photographs (3) including: - Opening Ceremony. Norma Croker, Fleur Mellor, Shirley Strickland & Betty Cuthbert. Shirley Strickland being kissed by Betty Cuthbert and another Australian girl.
$25,000 - $35,000
Lot 90. World Record Plaque, in bronze, 7 x 10cm: - on front "IAAF, International Amateur Athletic Federa- tion" and symbol; on reverse, "International Amateur Athletic Federation to" with engraved and high lighted in white enamel "Australian National Team/ (S.B.De La Hunty,/ N.Croker,/ F.Mellor,/ B.Cuthbert)", Worlds Records Holder "4 x 100 Metres Relay/ 44.9s/ 1.12.1956/ Melbourne, Australia". also Press clipping regarding the world record established in the 4 x 100 metres relay heat. Photograph of the Opening Ceremony of 1956 Melbourne Olympics.
$5,000 - $7,000
Lot 91. World Record Plaque, in bronze, 7 x 10cm: - on front "IAAF, International Amateur Athletic Federa- tion" and symbol; on reverse, "International Amateur Athletic Federation to" with engraved and high lighted in white enamel "Australian National Team/ (S.B.De La Hunty,/ N.Croker,/ F.Mellor,/ B.Cuthbert)", Worlds Records Holder "4 x 100 Metres Relay/ 44.5s/ 1.12.1956/ Melbourne, Australia". also Press clippings regarding the 4 x 100 metres relay and breaking the world record twice in an hour. Photograph of the Opening Ceremony of 1956 Melbourne Olympics.
$5,000 - $7,000
Lot 92. Shirley Strickland's Australian Track & Field running uniform from the 1956 Olympics: - White vest with diagonal green/ gold/ green stripes, and embroidered badge showing Australian Coat-of- Arms inside Map of Australia; label reads "1956 Australian Olympic Team, Official Garment, Made by Melbourne Sports Depot". Green shorts with two yellow stripes down each leg, fastened with button and press-studs. (Shorts with some wear). Cloth Letters "A" (2) used to identify the Australian Relay team at the 1956 Olympics. This team won the gold medal, breaking the world record twice. also Range of press releases, photograph & "Pix" magazine, showing the Australian women's running uniform. "Athletics, Main Stadium, Wednesday, 28th November, 1956, Official Programme". "Athletics, Main Stadium, Friday, 30th November, 1956, Official Programme".
$5,000 - $10,000
Lot 93. Shirley Strickland's black running shoes (spikes) used during the 1956 Olympics, made of Tasmanian wallaby to fit each foot by Sweeney of Melbourne. Much used and cherished. [For Strickland's comments, see Lot 21]
$4,000 - $6,000
Lot 94. Various experimental spikes (20), in several different designs, aimed at givinh better traction on the muddy cinder tracks then the norm. This group is associated with Shirley's many attempts to improve the coaching techniques and technology, based on her background of science and physics, and support- ing the athletes in her squad.
$500 - $1,000
Lot 95. 1956 (6 Aug) letter from T.G.Davies, Managing Director of Lever Brothers Pty Ltd, to Shirley, "In a few months time you will in all probability have the honour and distinction of representing Australia in the greatest sporting event ever to be held in this country the 1956 Olympic Games. As one of our prospective national representatives, with the whole country following your training activities with tremendous interest and enthusiasm, we feel sure you will be delighted to know this company is assisting in the promotion of the Melbourne Olympic Games by distribution of lapel badges featuring photographs of leading Olympic contenders, in association with some of our products. Distribution of these badges has just commenced and as we are sure you will be interested to see a sample of your own badge, we have very much pleasure in forwarding this to you together with a photograph of the other athletes included in the series. We would also like to take this opportunity of wishing you every success in your pre-Olympic training which we trust will culminate in your selection as an Australian representative at the 1956 Olympic Games." Enclosed with the letter are two samples of the `Shirley Strickland' lapel pin, and the photograph of the complete set of 20 lapel pins referred to. also `Shirley Strickland' and `Merv Wood' lapel pins attached to original card as distributed with Lux toilet soap and Lifebuoy. Photograph of the Opening Ceremony of 1956 Melbourne Olympics.
$500 - $1,000
Lot 97. Post-Olympics Competition group comprising: - World Record Plaque, in bronze, 7 x 10cm: - on front "IAAF, International Amateur Athletic Federa- tion" and symbol; on reverse, "International Amateur Athletic Federation to" with engraved and high- lighted in white enamel "Australian National Team/ (S.B.De La Hunty,/ N.Croker,/ F.Mellor,/ B.Cuthbert)", Worlds Records Holder "4 x 110 Yards Relay/ 45.6s/ 5.12.1956/ Sydney, N.S.W. Australia". also "International Athletics Meeting, British Empire & Commonwealth v USA, Sydney, Australia, Wednes- day 5th December, 1956, 8 p.m., Official Programme", with 4 signatures including Bob Morrow (USA), Murray Halberg (NZ), Neville Scott (NZ). also "International Athletics Meeting, British Empire & Commonwealth v USA, Sydney, Australia, Wednes- day 5th December, 1956, 8 p.m., Official Programme", with 12 signatures including Deacon Jones (USA), Eddie Southern (USA), Ira Murchison (USA), Mike Agostini (Trinidad), Jack Culbreath (USA), Paul Engo (Nigeria), John Treloar, Keith Miller, Irene Robertson (USA) & G.Potgieter (South Africa).
$3,000 - $5,000
Lot 98. 1956 Queenstown Olympic Torch Relay Sports. Australia's last event of the 1956 Games was a Torch relay in Tasmania, from Derwent Bridge to Queenstown on 16th December. The torch was handed to Shirley Strickland who lit a huge bonfire before extinguishing the flame.
Press clippings related to Shirley's Post-Olympics trip to Tasmania. Photographs (2) of Shirley at the Queenstown Olympic Fire. "Rotary Club of Moonah, Weekly News Bulletin", programme for 17th December 1956 including Shirley as guest speaker. "Tasmania - Opening of Parliament by The Queen, 1954" "The Parliament of Tasmania, Opening of the Second Session of the Thirty-Second Parliament by His Excellency the Governor, The Right Honourable Sir Ronald Hibbert Cross" "Parliament of Tasmania", booklet. "Tasmanian Education, Special Edition, Commemorating 100 Years of Responsible Government in Tasmania, December 1956", magazine. Colour picture of Parliament House, Tasmania, endorsed "To a great Australian". also 1957 (15 July) letter from Olympic Entertainment Committee in Queenstown, Tasmania, to Shirley, enclosing a gift of appreciation, "it was just and fitting that the Captain of the Australian Team of top women athletes should be the one to receive the final torch and thus conclude the festivities of the XVI Olympiad."
$1,000 - $1,500
Lot 99. Hand-held Mirror, in the shape of a tennis racquet, with message hand-painted on reverse, "Shirley Strickland with Compliments from Alexander Racket Company.
$250 - $500
1957 - including the awarding of an MBE
In the 1957 New Year Honors list Shirley Strickland de la Hunty became an M.B.E. in recognition of her contributions to sport in Australia, and later in the year won the Sportsman of the Year award. On 22nd October she gave birth to a 7lb 15oz baby girl.
Lot 100. Post-Olympics letters, awards and other recognition: 1956 (Dec 31) letter from The Right Honourable Sir Ronald Hibbert Cross, Governor of Tasmania, to Shirley, warmest congratulations on the M.B.E. 1957 (2 Jan) telegram from Harold and Zara Holt [Harold Holt was later Prime Minister of Australia] to Shirley, "Congratulations on your splendid Olympic performances and the well merited distinction they have earned you". 1957 (4 Jan) letter from M.Moore in Queensland to Shirley, congratulations. 1957 (4 Jan) 7-page letter from Jim Weir to Dave Strickland (Shirley's father), "Shirley has proved herself the bravest and greatest woman athlete of all time". 1957 (4 Jan) letter from Veronika Neozmelyi to Shirley, advising she has fled from Hungary to Austria to escape the Communist counter-revolutionary troops, and will be arriving in Australia in February. 1957 (29 Jan) letter from Oscar State, British Empire Weight-Lifting Federation, to Shirley, "First of all may I congratulate you on the award of your M.B.E. Everybody here in England thoroughly approves of the award to such a fine sportswoman". 1957 (4 Apr) letter from Commonwealth Immigration Department to Shirley, regarding Miss Neozmelyi (see letter of 4th Jan). 1957 (19 Apr) 7-page letter from Jim Weir to Shirley, giving her details of the races at the NSW Championships. 1957 (20 Mar) letter from W.S. de Monfreil-Doliva to Shirley, complaining of the use of salted butter in Australia. 1957 (29 Mar) letter from Shirley to Mr.Monfreil-Doliva (apparently never posted), "Life is of more important things". 1957 (26 Apr) letter from The Olympic Committee of the USSR to Shirley, inviting her to the III International Friendly Youth Games in Moscow. 1957 (23 Oct) telegram from W.Uren to Shirley, "Welcome to the future Olympian". 1957 (23 Oct) telegram from Weir to Shirley, "I join the world in conveying my hearty congratulations and best wishes". 1957 (19 Nov) (Wedding) card from Heinz Birkemeyer & Gisela Kohler Birkemeyer. also "Shirley Strickland Athletic Carnival, Melville Reserve, February 24, 1957", programmes (6). also Photograph of Shirley with her mother and son, Phillip. Range of press clippings. also 1957 Associated Sports Award, trophy with athlete on plinth, engraved, "An Annual Award made to the Athlete belonging to an Association affiliated with the Associated Sporting Committee who by reason of Sporting Performance during the year has most contributed to the prestige and advancement of Sport/ 1957 SHIRLEY STRICKLAND".
$2,000 - $2,500 Lot 101. Shirley Strickland's M.B.E. medal, and miniature medal, in original presentation case.
"Honours and Awards, 1st January 1957. Appointed a Member of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Mrs Shirley Barbara de la Hunty, Citation. Mrs. de la Hunty is an athlete who has represented her country magnificently at all times overseas and in Australia. In recognition of her outstanding representation of Australia in the sporting field." also Letter from Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood, St James's Palace, to Mrs Shirley Barbara de la Hunty, M.B.E., "The Secretary has the honour to transmit a Warrant of Appointment, under the Queen's Sign Manual, to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, and to request that the receipt of this Warrant may be acknowledged on the attached form" also "Statutes of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire". also Certificate "Grant of the Dignity of an Ordinary Member of the Civil Order of the British Empire to Shirley Barbara, Mrs de la Hunty (nee Strickland)", signed Elizabeth R and Philip. also Photograph of Shirley and two others recipients on the day the M.B.E. was awarded. Press clippings re Shirley's M.B.E.
$4,000 - $6,000
Lot 102. 1957 Premiere of the official Melbourne Olympic Games film 1957 (6 May) letter from C.B.Searle of Greater Union Theatres to Shirley, with the details of the arrangements for her father and herself on their visits to Melbourne and Adelaide for the premiere of the film "The Official 1956 Olympic Games". 1957 (May) letter from C.B.Searle to Shirley enclosing pages from "The Film Weekly" regarding the dual premiere for the Olympic film. also Photographs (7) related to the premiere of the Olympic Games film. Press clippings related to the visit to Melbourne for the premiere of the 1956 Olympic Games film.
$500 - $1,000
1958-59 Lot 103. Australian Championships, 1st medal, 4 x 110 Yards Relay, West Aust. [Undated _ believed to be 1958]. also WA Certificate of Merit _ 1st in 80 Metres Hurdles, 2nd in 100 Yards, 2nd in 220 Yards, 28.2.59 also 1958 (5 March) letter from June Ferguson (formerley Matson, Betty Cuthbert's long term coach and herself a 1948 Olympian) to Shirley, regarding the visit of Betty Cuthbert to Shirley in Perth for coach- ing, "Betty enjoyed her visit very much & it gave her back her confidence, which may have been lacking a little" "Betty is fast approaching top form & within the next two weeks I expect her to produce sensational times". 1958 (19 Oct) 10-page letter from Jim Weir to Shirley, with details of the form of the NSW runners _ Marlene, Betty, June & Kay; possibility of Shirley competing in Rome in 1960 Olympics. 1958 (13 Dec) card from Phillip Allen in South Africa to Shirley. 1958 (23 Dec) Christmas card from Gisela and Heinz Birkemeyer to Shirley. 1959 (23 Dec) photograph of a painting of Shirley (faults) with note on reverse from artist. also Photographs (2) of Betty Cuthbert in Perth during training sessions with Shirley Strickland. Press clippings.
$500 - $1,000
Lot 104. Original documents & printed materials regarding Shirley's Coaching activities, comprising: - Reporter's Note Book, with title "Keep Fit" on front cover, with extremely comprehensive notes taken by Shirley in pencil, relating to exercises, physiology, posture, first aid, diet, psychology. A very important record, from the early days of sports medicine. also Exercise book with details of exercises to be performed, hand-written and illustrated with stick figures, plus two pages of notes with illustrations of the foot muscles to be exercised. Page of notes on diet, on notepaper headed K.G.Aberdeen, F.R.A.C.S. Small Memo Book, kept by Shirley's mother, with notes of her daughter's times from 1955 to 1960. also "Track Events", book by Rex van Rossum. "What I Have Learnt from the Olympics", text of a paper delivered by Percy Wells Cerutty. "The Use of the Will", paper by Percy Cerutty, Feb '54. "The Part Played by Incentives", paper by Percy Cerutty, 1953. "On Esoteric Qualities", paper by Percy Cerutty, 9.2.54. "Warming-Up", paper by Percy Cerutty. "The Mental Side of Distance Running", paper by V.J.Rundle & J.B.Storrar. also Certificate of Honorary Senior Coach, presented to Shirley Strickland by the Australian Track & Field Coaches Association. "Modern Athlete and Coach", magazine, January 1977. "Modern Athlete and Coach", magazine, January 1979. "Modern Athlete and Coach", magazine, July 1980. "Modern Athlete and Coach", magazines (2), April 1982. "Modern Athlete and Coach", magazine, January 1983. "Modern Athlete and Coach", magazine, April 1986. "Modern Athlete and Coach", magazine, July 1991. "Modern Athlete and Coach", magazine, January 1992. "1982 Games, AAU Alcoa National Squad, Media Digest 1982-83". Certificate of Participation, presented to Shirley de la Hunty, coach in Track and Field, In recognition of your participation in the Australian Coaching Council's First Elite Coaches Seminar, Canberra, 5 to 7 December, 1986. "Track & Field National Coaching Scheme - Resistance Training" produced by Merv Kemp.
$500 - $1,000
Lot 105. Collection of c1947-60 photographs (74), postcards (14) and press clippings; Shirley's competitors numbers "52" in red (2), that were pinned to her running outfit.
$400 - $600
The 1960s including the 1962 British Empire & Commonwealth Games in Perth
Shirley had vaguely considered the possibility of representing Australia at the 1960 Rome Olympics as either an athlete or as manageress of the women's athletic team. She was still running very comfortably at the local level, with the many athletes she coached. However she was hoping for a third pregnancy and this happily occurred. When the British Commonwealth Games came to Perth in 1962, the Women's Amateur Athletic Union _ in whose ranks there had been several who had not wished Shirley well during her career _ unanimously chose her to coach the Australian women's relay team. But, even though she was the outstanding contender for the honour, even though the Games were being held in her home town, there were those who frantically opposed her appointment. Amid much bitterness and wrangling, Shirley was eventually tossed out as an official team member, but allowed to coach the athletes in an independent capacity. This, surely, was insult in its grossest form, but still Shirley Strickland was too much a champion, too much a lady, to be drawn into comment on it. So, in the highly unsatisfactory atmosphere, hampered by stupid restrictions, Shirley simply went ahead and did a first-rate coaching job. Shirley was also nominated as athletics manageress of the Australian team for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
Lot 106. Coaching, Competition, Amateurism, early Conservation activism, a group comprising: - Australian Championships, 1st medal, 440 Yards Relay, 1960. also WA Certificate of Merit _ 1st in 100 Yards, 1st in 80 Metres Hurdles, 6th Feb 1960. also Silver cup, engraved "E.G.A.A.A. Thanks for Coming 1962". also 1960 (14 Feb) letter from Jim Weir to Shirley, "You can imagine the pleasure I received on reading of your two wins in Championships on Saturday and your nomination for Team Manageress. But I guess the old gang will bank up on you in this" Photograph of Jim Weir. 1960 (28 July) letter from Jim Weir to Shirley, encouraging her to contact Norma Croker, "write her and give her all the advice and assistance you can". 1960 (28 July) letter from Jim Weir to Dave Strickland, "make them proud of their Grand-dad who won the Stawell Gift". 1960 (1 Aug) letter from Val Cole to Shirley, "I want to be an athlete" 1960 (Oct) letter from Jim Weir ? to Shirley, enclosing photographs (11) of garden renovations. 1961 (1 Aug) postcard from Yuri Kiryakov in Odessa to Shirley. 1961 (9 Dec) letter from Gwen Bull, WAWAAA, to Shirley, giving permission for her to work without expenses or pay for a Perth radio station. 1961 (26 Dec) postcard from George Savchev in Prague, Czechoslovakia, to Shirley, "Best wishes for the holiday season". 1963 (26 Mar) invitation to a reception hosted by The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh on Board the royal yacht, "Britannia". 1964 (30 Apr) letter from A.J.Hodsdon, The Amateur Athletic Union of Australia, to Shirley, advising "For the sake of observing correct procedure, I have replied to Doris Magee as Secretary of the AWAAU". 1964 (5 May) letter from Doris Magee, AWAAU, to Shirley, "IAAF Eligibility Rule (III) reads `Any person who, since reaching the age of 16, has ever received any pecuniary consideration for teaching, training or coaching in any sport is ineligible to take part in Competitions under IAAF Rules. Note _ Physical education teachers whose work is solely educational and who are not paid directly or indirectly for the Coaching of athletes for competitions are eligible to compete as amateurs". 1965 (21 June) copy of letter from Shirley as Secretary of National Trust of Australia to Commissioner of Main Roads, concerning spoilation of roadside verges. 1965 (25 June) copy of letter from Commissioner of Main Roads to Shirley as Secretary of National Trust of Australia, regarding the preservation of roadside vegetation. 1965 (17 Dec) postcard from Yuri Kiryakov in Moscow to Shirley. also "1960 Olympic Games Results and Records". "Australia Tokyo 1964, Australian Olympic Games Team". Tie clip, with Olympic Rings and "TOKYO 1964". Trade card from "Mac.Robertson's Olympic Quiz Cards" showing Shirley Strickland. "Life International", magazine, November 1964, signed by Shirley Strickland. also Photograph and press clippings.
$1,000 - $1,500
Lot 107. 1962 British Empire & Commonwealth Games group: - Shirley Strickland's Official's Badge, inscribed "British Empire & Commonwealth Games/ Perth _ Western Australia 1962", with yellow ribbon inscribed "OFFICIAL". also "Official guide, British Empire & Commonwealth Games, Perth Western Australia 1962". "Civic Banquet in honour of Overseas Representatives of the British Empire and Commonwealth Games Federation City of Perth, 30th November 1962", dinner menu. also 1962 (22 Nov) letter from Whitfords Broadcasting Network to Shirley, "With the last of your Games Reports aired last night, we take the opportunity of placing on record our earnest appreciation of the time you made available and your co-operation in making these Reports possible on behalf of the Games Committee and ourselves. We would also register the appreciation of the executives of 2UW Sydney, 3UZ Melbourne, 4BC Brisbane and 5KA Adelaide who joined our Network in this gesture of free Games Publicity." also Photograph of Shirley coaching at the 1962 Perth Games. Press clippings related to the 1962 Empire Games.
$500 - $1,000
1968 - THE MEXICO OLYMPICS
Australia's contingent at the Games numbered 175, with 143 competitors (119 men and 24 women) and 32 officials, with Shirley Strickland de la Hunty named as an assistant manager (women). Quite apart from the difficulties posed by altitude, these were controversial Games: preceded by riots in which 260 were killed and 1200 injured; threatened by boycott from forty nations until the IOC excluded South Africa from the Games (for safety reasons, according to IOC President Brundage, rather than racial policies); underscored by protests over civil rights in the United States, which culminated in the expulsion of two athletes who gave black-power salutes on the victory dais. Australia finished the Games with five gold medals: to swimmers Michael Wenden (100 and 200 metres freestyle) and Lyn McClements (100 metres butterfly), runner Ralph Doubell (800 metres) and the 80 metres hurdler Maureen Caird, who had benefitted from Shirley's assistance in Mexico City.
Lot 108. 1968 Mexico Olympics, Australian Team Blazer, with Australian Coat-of-Arms, Olympic Rings & "ASS'T MANAGER (WOMEN)/ OLYMPIC GAMES 1968/ MEXICO CITY" embroidered on pocket. One button missing, otherwise excellent condition. also Travel bag, green with yellow piping, printed on front "OLYMPIC TEAM/ (Australian Coat-of Arms inside Map of Australia)/ MEXICO 1968"; and printed on reverse "S.De.La.H.".
$2,000 - $3,000 Lot 109. 1968 Mexico Olympics group comprising: - 1968 (21 Sept) letter from Shirley in Mexico to her mother, "There has been a lot of trouble at the University _ the army appear to have taken over, and we heard shots one night when six students were killed and many wounded. I was and am very upset; the army are still occupying the Uni, and it does not affect us except that our route to the city is detoured". 1968 (20 Oct) letter from Shirley in Mexico to her mother, "we have had some bad sickness with the girls, some wonderful success and some heart-breaking failures and disappointments." 1968 (9 Nov) copy of a letter from Enrique Flores in Mexico to Australian Olympic Federation, enclos ing photographs (3) of Shirley in Mexico. 1968 letter in Spanish from Enrique Flores in Mexico to Shirley. also "Australia's Team, XIX Olympic Games, Mexico 68". "The 1968 Olympic Games, Winter _ Grenoble, Summer _ Mexico City, Official Report of the Australian Olympic Team" by Julius L.Patching. "Know Mexico", tourist brochure. "Mexico Teotihuacan, Light and Sound", tourist brochure. also Press clippings from Australian & Mexican newspapers.
$1,000 - $2,000
The 1970s
Lot 110. 1973 (24 Jan) letter from Thomas Evans, Minister for Education, to Shirley, confirming her appointment as an inaugural member of the Youth, Community Recreation and National Fitness Council. 1975 (14 July) letter from Betty Cuthbert to Shirley, "Congratulations on your selection for Montreal..." 1977 (26 Jan) postcard of Olympia, Greece, from Alec to Shirley, "I visited this spot yesterday, so naturally thought of you". 1977 (4 Apr) letter from West Australian Newspapers Limited to Shirley, regarding the censorship of advertisements. 1977 (7 Apr) letter from Chief Secretary of Western Australia to Shirley, regarding her complaint about an advertisement appearing in the Daily News. also "ABC Olympic Book, Olympic Games Munich 1972". also Photographs (2) and press clippings.
$200 - $400
The 1976 MONTREAL OLYMPICS
Australia had a bleak performance at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. For the first time in forty years, Australia did not win a single gold medal. While Australia had never rivalled the superpowers of the Olympics, a certain expectancy of gold existed when the team went to Montreal: in the five previous Games, the yield in gold alone had totaled forty. This time Australia won just one silver medal and four bronze. Australia's competitors in Montreal numbered 184, including 35 women, with Shirley Strickland de la Hunty as Assistant Manager (Womens Athletics). Raelene Boyle was Australian flag-bearer, she finished fourth in the 100 metres and was controversially disqualified from the 200 metres final when she was alleged to have broken twice.
Lot 111. 1976 Montreal Olympics, Australian Team Blazer, gold coloured, with Australian team badge pinned to left breast, with tag inscribed "S.De La Hunty". An attractive blazer designed by Sportscraft, the team badge was removed as Shirley subsequently added the blazer to her daily wardrobe. also 1976 Montreal Olympics, Australian Team Track-suit top, made by Adidas, yellow with green cuffs, with Australian team badge sewn on left breast, "AUSTRALIA" in gold & green letters on back. also 1976 Montreal Olympics, Australian Team Wind-cheater, made by Golden Breed, white with yellow and black lettering, "AUSTRALIAN OLYMPIC TEAM `76".
$1,500 - $2,000
Lot 112. 1976 Montreal Olympics, Shirley Strickland's Official's badge, rectangular, 28x57mm, with Montreal Olympics symbol, "Officiel d'Equipe" and "XXIe Olympiade Montreal 1976".
$500 - $1,000
Lot 113. Shirley Strickland's collection of letters & documents regarding the 1976 Olympics: - "The Australian Track and Field Team to Montreal 1976, Circular No.3" (water stained). "Montreal and Environs", guide book in English & French. "Games of the XXI Olympiad Montreal 1976, Guide to Olympic Village" (water stained). Montreal map (water stained). "Games of the XXI Olympiad Montreal 1976, Official maps" (water stained). "Rendez-vous 76 Montreal, 2" magazine. "Rendez-vous 76 Montreal, 4" magazine. "Games of the XXI Olympiad Montreal 1976, General Information - Athletics" (water stained). "Games of the XXI Olympiad Montreal 1976, Participants - Athletics". "Games of the XXI Olympiad Montreal 1976, Competition and training sites _ Summary of facilities". "Games of the XXI Olympiad Montreal 1976, Bromont _ Site of equestrian competitions". "Kingston 1976" (Yachting). "Games of the XXI Olympiad Montreal 1976, Opening Ceremony" programmes (2 _ one water stained). "Le Village", newspapers, numbers 15, 18, 19, 31, 32 (some faults). "Games of the XXI Olympiad Montreal 1976, Album _ World Famous Sportsmen with their Autographs, Caricatures by Brugner". "Sports Review, Montreal Olympics, Your Complete Guide to the Games", magazine. Posters (3 _ with faults). Postcards (4). also 1975 (14 July) letter from Judy Patching of Australian Olympic Federation to Shirley, regarding her appointment as Assistant Manageress (Women) in the Australian Team for Montreal 1976. 1976 (14-17 July) long letter from Shirley in Montreal to her family in Perth, etailing her experiences at the Olympics. 1977 (29 Apr) letter from Doris Magee, AWAAU, to Shirley, "Thank you very much for copy of your Report, as Assistant Manager _ Women, 1976 Olympic Games, Montreal, together with two copies of the Official Australian Report". also Postcard "To Shirley with Thanks from the Girls" and signed Charlene [Neighbour-Rendina], Chris[tine Thompson-Hunt], Gaye [Dell], Raelene [Boyle], Verna, Bethanie [Nail], Barbara [Jordan-Wilson], Judy C[anty] & Judy P[atching]. also Photograph of a delighted Raelene Boyle after being advised at training that she would carry the Australian flag. Photographs (5) of a heart-broken Raelene Boyle after she had been disqualified for breaking twice in the 200 metres final. also Page of notes regarding "Raelene's break".
$1,500 - $2,000
THE 1980 MOSCOW OLYMPICS
In late January 1980 the Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser, asked the president of the AOF to consider withdrawing Australia's team from the Moscow Olympics due to the Soviet Union's recent invasion of Afghanistan. President Carter, he said, had urged the United States Olympic Committee to refuse to attend the Games if the USSR did not withdraw its invading troops within a month. This represented the beginning of an argument that was soon to engulf the Olympic movement, and the entire Australian community. It amounted to a classic collision between the interests of sport and those of politics, and, because it was portrayed at the time as an issue of huge significance to the security of the nation and to world peace, it forced some agonising choices between loyalties. It was a traumatic and utterly divisive episode, one that wrecked careers and provoked animosities that endured long after their cause had been buried in old newspaper files. The team which finally competed for Australia in Moscow included 123 athletes, 27 of them women. Australia was one of sixteen nations, among the eighty-one taking part, which chose to march behind an Olympic rather than a national flag. A further twenty-six nations boycotted the Moscow Olympics.
Lot 114. Shirley Strickland's "Moscow" file, comprising pages of notes for speeches and press interviews, marked press clippings, and press article "Shirley Speaks Out". also 1980 Moscow Olympics, Proof of Russian 1 Rouble Olympics coin.
$200 - $500
1980s to date
Lot 115. Shirley Strickland's collection of press and magazine clippings, photographs & awards, comprising: - Photographs (66), including photographs of Shirley at various awards ceremonies and coaching seminars, with other famous athletes including Edwin Moses, Herb Elliott, Dawn Fraser, Betty Cuthbert, Marjorie Jackson, Susan O'Neil, etc. also 1986 (16 Apr) letter from Australian Gallery of Sport to Shirley, advising of honorary Foundation Membership. 1993 (31 Aug) letter from Alf Sorbello, Photographer, to Shirley, enclosing transparencies of photographs of Shirley he had taken for "Woman's Weekly" magazine. 2000 (2 Feb) letter from "L'Equippe" to Shirley, enclosing photograph and issue of magazine with article on Shirley. 2000 (22 May) letter from WA Sport & Recreation Council to Shirley enclosing photograph. 2000 (28 Aug) letter from National Library of Australia to Shirley, enclosing photograph taken during the Outstanding Older Women Scientists Forum. also 1979 Western Australia's 150th Anniversary, medallions in gold, silver and bronze. "Favourite Recipes of Australian Sporting Personalities" book. "Official Olympic Souvenir Program, Games of the XXIIIrd Olympiad Los Angeles 1984", signed by Shirley Strickland de la Hunty. "XXIII Olympic Games, The Official Pictorial History, Los Angeles", signed by Shirley Strickland de la Hunty. Trophy "1984 Olympic Games/ Los Angeles - Sarajevo" with on reverse, "Presented to___ in Grateful Acknowledgement of your Support to the Australian Olympic Games Team". Security Pass, World Cup Athletics, Canberra 1985, "Shirley de la Hunty, Nat. Event Coach _ 400m Hurdles AAU". Framed plaque "Western Australia HALL OF CHAMPIONS, Foundation Member, August 19, 1985", inscribed "Shirley Strickland (1925 - ) Athletics" and brief biography. 1986 Australian Gallery of Sport Certificate, advising Shirley de la Hunty has been registered as a Foundation Member of the Gallery, signed by Peter Thomson & Bill Roycroft. The Olympians Club dinner menu to Celebrate Thirtieth Anniversary of Melbourne Olympics at MCG 22nd November 1986, signed by Shirley Strickland. Medallion "A.P.O.S.A. General Assembly, Perth 1986". "SportsView" magazines, September 1987 & June 1988. "Aussie Gold" book by Reet & Max Howell, signed by Shirley Strickland de la Hunty. The Official Bicentennial Commemorative Medallion in original case. Plaque Commemorating the Official Opening of the Museum of Western Australian Sport on Tuesday January 24, 1989, with plate engraved "Presented to Shirley de la Hunty M.B.E.". "Clean up Australia Day" framed certificate, presented to Shirley de la Hunty, January 21,1990. Circa 1994 Place Card with 4 signatures including Susan O'Neil & Daniel Kowalski. "Olympic Games Posters, '95 Calendar, Centenary Collectors Series 1: 1896 _ 1952". "Olympic Games Posters, '96 Calendar, Centenary Collectors Series 2: 1956 _ 1992". 1996 Melbourne Olympics Bid Windcheater, with emblem on front, cloth badge on right sleeve and Australian flag badge on left sleeve. Certificate "Presented to Shirley de la Hunty in Appreciation of Your Valued Support for WA Members of the Australian Olympic Team". Western Australian Sports Federation Award of Merit 1996, plaque comprising medal framed and glazed with caption "Shirley de la Hunty, In recognition of, and appreciation for, long and outstanding service to Sport in Western Australia". 1996 AFL Footy Medals _ Collection of the Century, set of 17 medals held in special folder by tape. "Clean up Australia Day" framed Certificate, presented to Shirley for outstanding support over the past decade. Invitation to Shirley Strickland to join our Tribute to Australia's Olympic Greats, Saturday 8th July 2000 at the Regent Hotel, Sydney. IAAF 75 silver medallion, engraved "Shirley de la Hunty", in original case. Australian Olympics pin, with Australian Coat-of-Arms over Olympic rings.
$2,500 - $5,000
Lot 116. Australian Olympic Federation merit award, size 104 x 177mm, in original presentation case. This coveted plaque was awarded to Shirley Strickland de la Hunty in 1981. also Press clipping related to Shirley receiving the Olympic Merit Award.
$500 - $1,000 1988 Seoul Olympics _ 1996 Melbourne Bid
Lot 117. 1988 Seoul Olympics, Australian Team Blazer, gold coloured, with Australian Coat-of-Arms, Olympic rings and "SEOUL 1988" embroidered on pocket. An attractive double-breasted blazer made by Fletcher Jones. This blazer was presented to Shirley to wear during the campaign for the Olympic Games to be held in Melbourne in 1996. Although Melbourne's bid was unsuccessful, many valuable lessons were learned which paved the way for Sydney's successful bid for the 2000 Olympic Games.
$500 - $1,000
Sport Australia Hall of Fame
Lot 118. Hall of Fame group, comprising: - Certificate, "Sport Australia Hall of Fame honors Shirley (Strickland) de la Hunty as a Member for Excellent Performance in Athletics", signed by Neale Fraser & Dawn Fraser. Photograph of Shirley with Dawn Fraser and Betty Cuthbert, framed and glazed with plaque engraved, "In recognition of the induction of Cr. Shirley de la Hunty into the Australian Hall of Fame". Certificate, Hall of Fame _ Sport Australia. This is to Certify that Shirley (Strickland) De La Hunty was a Member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame as at 26th January 1988", with 6 signatures including Bob Hawke & Hubert Opperman; framed and glazed. Hall of Fame Medallion, engraved on reverse, "Shirley (Strickland) De La Hunty 1951-1975". Drink coaster, "Sport Australia Awards 1981". Drink coaster, "Sport Australia Awards 1982". Set of 6 drink coasters, "Hall of Fame _ Sport Australia, Tribute to the Champions, Melbourne 1995".
Induction into the Hall of Fame is the most prestegious award made by Australia's sporting community.
$2,500 - $5,000
The 1996 Centenary of Olympics Torch Relay
To celebrate the Centennial of the modern Olympic Games, Athens hosted a re-enactment of the 1896 Olympic Games over 10 days at the Panathenean Stadium, the original site of the 1896 Olympic Games. In the re-enactment, only athletes from countries who participated in the First Games of 1896 were invited to take part (Australia, Chile, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Greece, Germany, Hungary, Sweden and USA), though all 197 National Olympic Committees were represented at the Opening Ceremony. A highlight of the Olympic Centennial celebration was the arrival of the Olympic flame from the temple of Hera in Olympia. Twenty-two Olympians, representing each of cities which had previously hosted a Summer Olympics were honoured with the task of carrying the flame in a relay around the stadium. Australia was represented by 3-times gold medallist, Shirley de la Hunty (nee Strickland) in honor of the Games held in Melbourne in 1956. Each Olympian then carried the flame back to their respective cities, where Olympic Ceremonies were held to honor the 100th Anniversary of the revival of the Olympic Games. The City of Melbourne received the flame on April 21, 1996.
Lot 119. 1996 Centenary of Olympics International Torch Relay - Shirley Strickland's Torch. Aluminium, silver and wood, tulip shaped, 55cm tall. On the silver plaque are the Olympic rings and the names of the 23 Olympic host cities (including Atlanta). With burner and scorch marks in bowl. also "100 years Olympic Games 1896-1996, Celebrations Organized by the Hellenic Olympic Committee", signed by Shirley Strickland de la Hunty. "Athens 1896-1996, 100 Years of Olympic Games", signed by Shirley Strickland. Folder containing brochures on Greece & International Olympic Academy. "The Australian Olympian" magazines (2), Autumn 1996. Greek flags (2). Olympics flag. "Mind and Body _ The Revival of the Olympic Idea 19th _ 20th Century", signed by Shirley Strickland de la Hunty. Trophy incorporating figure of a gymnast with plaques "Athens 1896" and "Olympic Winner, I.Mitropoulos, Greece". Photographs (8) including the Australian team at Athens and the special Olympic Torch at Albany.
$5,000 - $8,000
The 2000 SYDNEY OLYMPICS
Lot 120. 2000 Olympics group, comprising: - Certificate, "Olympians Club of Australia, Shirley de la Hunty, Presented in recognition of your Membership", with printed signatures of John Coates & Juan Antonio Samaranch. Limited Edition Print presented to members of the Olympians Club of Australia by the Australian Olympic Committee, September 23 1993. Celebrate with Sydney!, Billich print, Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Victory Celebration Dinner, 18 November 1993. Olympic Gold Medallists photograph, Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Victory Celebration Dinner, held on November 18, 1993. Medallion, "The Official Sydney Celebration Dinner", in original case. Badge, "Games of the XXVII Olympiad, 1 year to Go", in original case. Badge (in shape of Western Australia), "350 Days to Go", in original case. `The Age' commemorative medallions, pair of medallions "Sydney 2000/ Melbourne 1956" in original case. Medallion, "Your Olympic Experience" in original case. White Olympics Windcheater with embroidered Olympic rings on breast, with white slacks and gloves, worn by Shirley Strickland to welcome the Olympic Flag to Sydney. The gloves were worn to protect the flag. Small metal frame with picture of Shirley in Torch Relay. Shirley Strickland's Official Commemorative (Participation) Medal, in original case. 2000 (24 Sept) letter from Sydney 2000 Olympic Headquarters to Shirley, expressing appreciation for participating in a First Pitch ceremony during the Olympic Baseball Competition in the game Korea v Australia. Photograph of Shirley participating in the First Pitch ceremony during the Olympic Baseball Competition in the game Korea v Australia, framed and glazed with plaque. Sydney 2000 flag. Sydney 2000/ Paralympic Games Sydney 2000 flags (4).
$2,500 - $5,000
Lot 121. "Fatso _ the fat-arsed Wombat" 18 carat gold badge, from "The Dream" TV programme. The most sought after badge from the 2000 Olympics. Shirley Strickland and her son, Matthew, were part of the singing group performing on the last night of the show.
$1,000 - $2,000 |