The AOC has paid tribute to the late Norma Fleming (nee Croker) who passed away in Brisbane yesterday.
Coming from the golden era of Australian female sprinters, Norma won gold in the 4 x100 metres relay in Melbourne with teammates Betty Cuthbert, Shirley Strickland and Fleur Mellor.
The team set a new world record in their heat of 44.9 seconds and broke the mark again in beating Great Britain in the final in a time of 44.5 seconds.
The victory gave Norma a unique place in history as Queensland’s first gold medallist. The team’s victory was also Australia’s first track and field relay crown.
The relay victory, with Norma running the second leg, also propelled Betty Cuthbert into the record books as the first Australian to win three gold medals at a single Olympic Games, while Shirley Strickland became the first Australian to win seven medals in Olympic competition.
Norma also finished 4th in the 200 metres final in Melbourne. She went on to compete at the Rome Olympic Games (now married, as Norma Fleming) in 1960 where she finished 15th in the long jump, just missed qualifying for the 200m by one place and 0.1 seconds, while the relay team was disqualified in its heat.
AOC President John Coates said Norma Croker was a shining example during a magical period in Australian track and field.
“Norma was greatly admired by her team-mates and that relay team in Melbourne was quite extraordinary. She was modest and quite in awe of her team-mates, having been inspired by Shirley Strickland as a young sprinter.
“It was a different time, with Norma a devoted school-teacher and mother beyond her short sprinting career. She also took the time and trouble to take her stories and her medal around Queensland schools to inspire young people to be their best.”
“Norma will be missed by so many of her friends and teammates from that wonderful era.” Mr Coates concluded.
Teammate Marlene Mathews recalls Norma’s fighting spirit.
“She was a fighter. She never gave in. It really is a true story that Norma’s husband Lloyd promised he’d marry her, if she beat me in the Olympic selection trials ahead of the Melbourne Games. And, of course she did and they married.
“I remember Norma as a happy go lucky person and such a great friend”.
