Gladys M. CLARKE

Gladys Clarke of Birchfield Harriers was the winner of the first post-war WAAA javelin title in 1945. The highlight of her career came with her selection as one of Britain’s representatives at the 1948 Olympics although she struggled with injury at the London Games and placed last of the 15 competitors. Clarke had to use up her annual holiday allowance in order to become an Olympian. She retired from the sport in 1950 but lived long enough to be invited to the Olympic women’s javelin final in 2012.

Personal Best: JT – 35.58 (1949).