Now That's An Upset

[Double R Bar]

A lot of people like to see upsets, especially when they are rooting for the underdog. Today (Monday) is the 68th birthday of an Olympic gold medalist who won in a true upset. This Olympic gold medalist also won an Olympic silver medal in the same Games.

This person married an Olympic silver medalist. Our birthday athlete was very versatile and actually started out their track and field career in another event.

Final clue: This Olympic champion retired from the sport at the age of 22, having one the shortest athletic careers of any Olympic champion. Can you name this two-time Olympic medalist with a March 8th birthday?

[Pego]

Re: Now That's An Upset

I looked it up after fruitlessly trying to figure it out. I feel better now, because I would not ever figure it out. This is a good one.

[Marlow]

Re: Now That's An Upset

I looked it up after fruitlessly trying to figure it out. I feel better now, because I would not ever figure it out. This is a good one.

Me too. I have never even heard of this athlete!

[Jake]

Re: Now That's An Upset

Ann Packer, who married Robbie Brightwell. Very easy for British fans.

[Daisy]

Re: Now That's An Upset

Ann Packer, who married Robbie Brightwell. Very easy for British fans.

Are you sure? I find it surprising that marlow has never heard of Packer, especially after Holmes' relatively recent win in the 800 and in light of the recent Mary Rand birthday thread here.

[Jake]

Re: Now That's An Upset

I was surprised too, Daisy, especially as she was the first British woman to win an Olympic track title.

[mump boy]

Re: Now That's An Upset

never heard of anne packer ?? sacrilege :shock:

[Double R Bar]

Re: Now That's An Upset

Jake, you got it. Congratulations and happy birthday today to Ann Packer. I remember her 800 victory in Tokyo very well. I use to think (when I was very young) that women could run no farther than two laps; at least that's what the IOC would have me believe. What a change from 1964! By the way, Ann set a world record in winning her gold medal at 2:01.1. Pretty good time, even in 2010. Her silver medal was in the 400.

[Conor Dary]

Re: Now That's An Upset

Packer is featured in Tokyo Olympiad, with her running to her future hubby right after the race.

[Master Po]

Re: Now That's An Upset

I knew of her because of her 800m victory -- somehow missed altogether that she earned a medal in the 400.

I don't mean to divert this from consideration of Ann Packer, but here is a related question -- which I also should know, but don't:

How common are women's 400/800 doubles (any medals) at OG or WC? They probably happen regularly, and so I will feel like an idiot for not remembering any at the moment. But as I am accustomed to feeling like an idiot, please do not hesitate to reply.

[Pego]

Re: Now That's An Upset

I knew of her because of her 800m victory -- somehow missed altogether that she earned a medal in the 400.

I don't mean to divert this from consideration of Ann Packer, but here is a related question -- which I also should know, but don't:

How common are women's 400/800 doubles (any medals) at OG or WC? They probably happen regularly, and so I will feel like an idiot for not remembering any at the moment. But as I am accustomed to feeling like an idiot, please do not hesitate to reply.

Only two accomplished such doublers come to my mind - Jarmila Kratochvílová and Ana Quirot.

[Double R Bar]

Re: Now That's An Upset

The Olympic 400 for women started in Tokyo, 1964 and the Olympic 800 for women began in 1928, but was dropped until Rome in 1960. I think the 400/800 double is much more difficult than the 800/1,500 double. I don't think many women made the 400/800 double.

[Master Po]

Re: Now That's An Upset

I knew of her because of her 800m victory -- somehow missed altogether that she earned a medal in the 400.

I don't mean to divert this from consideration of Ann Packer, but here is a related question -- which I also should know, but don't:

How common are women's 400/800 doubles (any medals) at OG or WC? They probably happen regularly, and so I will feel like an idiot for not remembering any at the moment. But as I am accustomed to feeling like an idiot, please do not hesitate to reply.

Only two accomplished such doublers come to my mind - Jarmila Kratochvílová and Ana Quirot.

Thanks Pego. I knew that once I saw the names, I would have another of my "d'oh!" moments. Even factoring in whatever one might wish to regarding historical eras in women's athletics, that puts Packer in rare company.

[Vault-emort]

Re: Now That's An Upset

There were quite a few in the 60s who ran both events well, although only a couple managed to get double medals in a championship. These were still developing events of course - and so possibly more likely, although the best times of around 52 seconds and 2-01 (mainly on cinders or grass) are still pretty respectable these days.

Judy Pollock (bronze 64 400m) WR for 440y and 880y and 800m
Dixie Willis WR for 440y and 880y and 800m
Sin Kim Dan WR/B for 400m and 800m (if you think s/he's eligible)
Lilian Board (silver 68 400m) showed great potential for 800m with her European Champs win
Vera Nikolic also ran a pretty good 400m
Probably some others too

PS Who had the nickname 'beans'? - was it Brightwell or Packer?

[dj]

Re: Now That's An Upset

Sin Kim Dan WR/B for 400m and 800m (if you think s/he's eligible)

I don't recall there being a question about her sex. Her problem was she was from North Korea, a non-IAAF country, and therefore ineligible for WR status or competition at the OG.