By Tyler Parker
A pioneer of Australian sport, Commonwealth Games Australia Life Member Marjorie Jackson-Nelson AC CVO MBE has been honoured with a new centre for women’s sport in South Australia.
Champion of Australian athletics and Commonwealth Games alumni from the Auckland 1950 and Vancouver 1954 Commonwealth Games in which she claimed seven gold medals, Jackson-Nelson’s historic career has been honoured.
A historic occasion, The Marjorie Jackson-Nelson Centre for Women’s Sport is the first of its kind in Australia, offering education, training and leadership opportunities for women and gender equity programs for both men and women.
Aiming to offer a range of services that increase female participation in sport and leadership, the centre will help to close gender gaps in sport and shift perceptions.
Speaking at the announcement, Jackson-Nelson said, “I am both honoured and delighted to have my name associated with this initiative that will benefit all South Australians. All women no matter their background or culture will have a broad range of opportunities to be a part of this exciting project.”
The centre will work with local grassroots clubs through to elite athletes, with the initiative seeking to provide opportunities for local sporting organisations to grow participation for women in sport and enhance access to pathways.
“I am especially proud that this Academy will be established so that South Australian girls of the future can aspire to be involved in sporting programs in some way and it will no doubt provide them with the inspiration, encouragement, support and guidance to be able to fulfil their ambitions,” said Jackson-Nelson.
Competing in an era when women couldn’t compete in events further than 200 metres, Jackson-Nelson claimed gold in the 100 and 220 yard individual events, as well as 4 x 440 yard, 4 x 110 and 660 yard relays. Beyond this success, she also prevailed at the Olympic Games with two gold medals in the 100 and 200 metre disciplines.
Known as ‘The Lithgow Flash’, Jackson-Nelson set an astonishing 10 world records over her career as she became trailblazer for women in sport. Her career in sport continued off the track, with Marjorie excelling in roles as Team Manageress, Assistant Team Manager, Athlete Liaison Officer and as the inaugural female Team General across games from 1986 to 1998.
A key contributor to the Commonwealth Sport Movement, The Marjorie Jackson-Nelson Centre for Women’s Sport highlights her significant involvement to Australian sport and marks the opportunity for a new generation of female athletes.
