Strickland, Shirley (1925-2004), an Australian athlete, was one of the outstanding sprinters and hurdlers of her time. During her career, she held world records in the 100-meter sprint, 80-meter hurdles, and as a member of 400-meter and 440-yard relay teams. Strickland won seven medals in the Olympic Games from 1948 through 1956. In 1948, at the Olympic Games in London, she won two bronze medals for the 100-meter and 80-meter hurdles and a silver medal as a member of the Australian 400-meter relay team. In 1952, at the Helsinki games in Finland, Strickland won a gold medal for the 80-meter hurdles and a bronze for the 100-meter sprint. In 1956, at the Melbourne games in Australia, she won gold medals for the 80-meter hurdles and for the 400-meter relay.
Shirley Barbara Strickland was born on July 18, 1925, in Guildford, Perth, Western Australia. Strickland did not begin running seriously until she was about 22. She won three gold medals and two silver medals at the 1950 British Empire (later Commonwealth) Games. She married Laurence E. de la Hunty, an Australian geologist, in 1950 and often raced under her married name, Shirley de la Hunty. She died on Feb. 16, 2004.
