Betty Cuthbert

Date of Birth: April 20, 1938

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: August 6, 2017

Biography

Elizabeth “Betty” Cuthbert was an Australian sprinter and a celebrated Olympic athlete. Born on April 20, 1938, in Merrylands, New South Wales, she showcased a prodigious talent for running from a young age. Betty Cuthbert is best known for her remarkable achievements in the Olympic Games, where she won four gold medals across three Olympics. Her first Olympic appearance was in the 1956 Melbourne Games, where she became a national hero by winning gold in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4 x 100 meters relay. After a brief retirement, she made a stunning comeback to win gold in the 400 meters at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, making her the only athlete to have won gold in all sprint events (100m, 200m, and 400m). Cuthbert was also known for her humility, resilience, and fighting spirit, particularly later in life when she battled multiple sclerosis. She passed away on August 6, 2017, but remains an iconic figure in the world of athletics.

5 Interesting Facts about Betty Cuthbert

1. Betty Cuthbert is the only athlete in history to have won Olympic gold in the 100m, 200m, and 400m events.

2. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1969 and used her public profile to raise awareness and funds for the condition.

3. Cuthbert’s astounding performance in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics earned her the nickname “Golden Girl.”

4. She was one of the inaugural inductees into the Australian Institute of Sport’s ‘Hall of Fame’ in 1985.

5. Betty Cuthbert carried the Olympic torch during the opening ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympics, symbolizing her enduring legacy in Australian sport.