Born: 1928 (Willesden, London)
Died: 2021 (Auburn, New York)
Biography:
Gillian Mary Donaldson MBE (née Sheen; 21 August 1928 – 5 July 2021) was a British fencer and Olympic champion in foil competition. Sheen’s contribution to the sport, her achievements, and her impact on women’s history are commendable.
Sheen began her journey in fencing while studying at North Foreland School in Kent. It was there that she discovered her passion for the sport and displayed an exceptional talent. In 1945, she captured the schoolgirls title, marking the beginning of her remarkable fencing career.
In 1947, Sheen continued to excel, winning the Junior Championships. She then pursued her academic aspirations at University College Hospital in London, aiming to become a dental surgeon. Her commitment to education did not deter her from pursuing her sporting dreams.
The year 1949 witnessed Sheen’s breakthrough, as she secured her first senior national title. This success continued to propel her forward, allowing her to clinch the British Universities title for an impressive five consecutive years. In 1951, she reached new heights by winning a gold medal at the World Universities Championships, solidifying her status as a world-class fencer.
Sheen’s Olympic journey began in 1952 at the Helsinki Games, where she represented Great Britain. Although she was eliminated in the second round, this experience only fueled her determination and motivated her to strive for excellence.
Four years later, at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Sheen achieved the pinnacle of her fencing career. Demonstrating her remarkable skills and unwavering focus, she emerged as the gold medalist in the women’s individual foil event. Her victory came at a time when the sport was undergoing radical changes due to advancing athleticism. Sheen’s classic technique and exceptional performance captured the attention of the press, who highlighted her age (28) and gender. She was celebrated as a dark horse competitor and became an inspiration for aspiring fencers, particularly women, around the world.
Sheen’s participation in international competitions extended beyond the Olympics. At the 1950 World Fencing Championships in Monte Carlo, she claimed a bronze medal in Team Foil while representing Britain. She also represented England at the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Vancouver, where she secured a silver medal in the individual foil event. Four years later, at the 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Cardiff, Sheen scaled greater heights by winning the gold medal in the same event.
Her devotion to fencing endured until 1963 when she retired from competitive fencing, concluding her career with an impressive ten British Championship titles, the final one being claimed in 1960. Sheen’s outstanding performances and enduring commitment to the sport continue to set an example for future generations of fencers.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Sheen led a remarkable personal life. Born on 21 August 1928 in Willesden, London, she embarked on a new chapter in 1962 when she married Bob Donaldson, an American orthodontist. Relocating to the United States, the couple established a successful dental and orthodontic practice in Auburn, New York, where Sheen continued to work until her husband’s passing in 2004.
In recognition of her exceptional contributions to UK sport, Sheen was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2019 Birthday Honours.
Sadly, Gillian Sheen passed away on 5 July 2021 in Auburn, New York, at the age of 92. She leaves behind a lasting legacy as a formidable fencing champion, a trailblazer for women in sports, and a role model for perseverance and dedication. Her memory will forever inspire generations to come.
Awards:
– Gold Medal, Women’s Individual Foil – 1956 Summer Olympics, Melbourne
– Bronze Medal, Team Foil – 1950 World Fencing Championships, Monte Carlo
– Silver Medal, Individual Foil – 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, Vancouver
– Gold Medal, Individual Foil – 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, Cardiff