Premier Gallop pays tribute to Shirley Strickland de la Hunty

17/2/04
Premier Geoff Gallop said today that all Western Australians would feel the loss of track and field legend Shirley Strickland de la Hunty.
The Premier said he extended his personal sympathies and those of the Western Australian community to Mrs Strickland de la Hunty's family.
"She was a wonderful woman of great standing who was a mentor and role model to many people," he said.
Mrs Strickland de la Hunty - who won more Olympic medals than any Australian track and field athlete - was determined, resilient and naturally talented.
"Shirley reflected each of these qualities each day of her life," Dr Gallop said.
"Whether it was during training, competition, studying at university or lobbying for a better environment, Shirley left no doubt that she was on a mission to win and to win fairly through sheer hard work, talent and dedication to her cause."
Mrs Strickland de la Hunty's Olympic achievements included seven medals - of which three were gold - won in London, Helsinki and Melbourne.
"Her enormous achievements have stood the test of time and made the name Shirley Strickland synonymous with athletics in WA," Dr Gallop said.
"The fact that she joined Raelene Boyle, Shane Gould, Betty Cuthbert, Dawn Fraser and Cathy Freeman as an Olympic Torchbearer at the 2000 Sydney Olympics Opening Ceremony was testimony to how highly she was regarded as an Australian sportswoman.
"She will be greatly missed both for her status as an Australian sporting icon and for her work as an environmentalist and scientist.
"Many people may not know that Shirley taught mathematics for two decades and lectured in physics, calculus, environmental science and environmental history.
"Shirley has impacted the lives of countless Western Australians and her passing will leave a significant gap in all our lives."
Premier's office: 9222 9475