Born: 1940 (Wells, Somerset, England)
Biography:
Mary Denise Rand, MBE (née Bignal on 10 February 1940) is an English former track and field athlete who made history with her remarkable achievements. Born and raised in Wells, Somerset, England, Mary Rand’s athletic journey began at a young age. Showing great promise, she was awarded an athletics scholarship at Millfield School at the age of 16.
From the start, Rand proved herself to be a versatile and gifted athlete, excelling in high jump, long jump, and hurdles. Her natural talent and dedication to training allowed her to quickly make her mark in the world of track and field. At the age of 17, she set a British record of 4046 points in the pentathlon, showcasing her all-around athletic abilities.
Rand’s first taste of international success came in the 1958 Commonwealth Games, where she won a silver medal in the long jump and placed fifth in the high jump. Just a month later, she finished seventh in the European pentathlon championship, illustrating her consistency at a high level of competition.
In the 1960 Olympics in Rome, Rand demonstrated her potential as she set a British record of 6.33m in the qualifying round of the long jump. Sadly, fouls in two out of three jumps prevented her from achieving a higher placement in the final, as she finished ninth. She also impressed in the 80m hurdles, coming in fourth.
Rand’s breakthrough moment came at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. In the qualifying rounds, she set an Olympic record in the long jump, leaping 6.52m. Building on her success, she went on to defy expectations in the final, defeating the favorite, world record holder Tatyana Schelkanova of the USSR, and Poland’s Irena Kirszenstein. Notably, in her first jump of the final, Rand broke the British record with a distance of 6.59m. However, she surpassed her own achievement in the fifth round, jumping 6.76m to break the world record and secure the gold medal. This historic moment made her the first British female athlete to win an Olympic gold medal in track and field.
Rand’s record stood for four years until it was broken at altitude by Viorica Viscopoleanu in the subsequent Olympics. Nonetheless, her legacy and impact on the sport remain indisputable. Additionally, Rand’s success extended beyond the long jump, as she also won a silver medal in the pentathlon, earning her second place in the all-time rankings for that event. Her pentathlon achievement was surpassed only by Irina Press, a remarkable athlete whose biological sex has been the subject of speculation.
Rand’s success was not limited to individual events as she also contributed to the success of the Great Britain team. She won a bronze medal as part of the 4×100 meters relay team, showcasing her ability to perform at a high level within a team setting.
Beyond her notable accomplishments, Rand’s impact on women’s athletics cannot be understated. She paved the way for future generations of female athletes, especially in the field of track and field. By breaking barriers and proving that British women could compete and win against international competition, she became an inspiration for young girls across the country.
In recognition of her achievements, Mary Rand was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), an honor bestowed upon her for her outstanding contributions to the world of sports. Her roommate at the Olympics, Ann Packer, described Mary as the most gifted athlete she had ever seen, asserting that there had never been anyone quite like her and that it was unlikely there ever would be.
Mary Rand’s exceptional career and enduring impact on women’s athletics make her a true trailblazer who will forever be remembered as one of Great Britain’s greatest athletes.
Awards:
– Gold Medal, Long Jump, 1964 Summer Olympics
– Silver Medal, Pentathlon, 1964 Summer Olympics
– Bronze Medal, 4×100 meters relay, 1964 Summer Olympics