Fed: Democrats in mourning for Shirley Strickland

AAP General News (Australia)
02-18-2004
Fed: Democrats in mourning for Shirley Strickland

CANBERRA, Feb 18 AAP - The Australian Democrats were in mourning today following the
death of triple Olympic champion Shirley Strickland, a founding member of the party and
former candidate.

Ms Strickland, Australia's original Golden Girl of the track, died in Perth yesterday aged 78.

She won seven Olympic medals between 1948 and 1956, including three gold, and was also
a trained nuclear physicist.

Democrats leader Andrew Bartlett said Ms Strickland was a great role model for many
Australians, not just in sport.

"The Democrats are a party in mourning today because she was a great role model not
just in the area of sport but in the area of politics and commitment to social issues,"

Senator Bartlett told reporters.

"It's the life of a great Australian that should be celebrated, perhaps most notably
for her sporting achievements but she achieved an enormous amount in the rest of her life
as well and the Democrats thank her for her support for us over many years and her contribution
as a great Australian."

Democrats women's issues spokeswoman Natasha Stott Despoja said Ms Strickland was a
great loss for the country.

"She was an extraordinary woman, a scientist as well as a sportswoman," Senator Stott
Despoja said.

"Today many Australians will mourn her passing but also remember her extraordinary
achievements both on and off the sporting field."

Ms Strickland was among the first members to join the party after it was formed by
Don Chipp in 1977.

AAP mfh/maur/mg/sp

KEYWORD: STRICKLAND DEMOCRATS

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