Helen's Story
Helen Joy Hardon competed in fencing at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. Hardon was the 1955 National Open Women's Foil Champion and was one of 21 fencers on the Olympic team and one of just three women.
Hardon was knocked out in the first round of the women's individual foil, finishing eighth in her group, and 28th overall.
It was only be sheer determination that she was able to compete at all however, as she was struck down by a debilitating virus at the start of the Games.
Despite her illness, Hardon went to pre-Games training where she practiced with some athletes from Norway, Sweden and England. She then competed in the Games but was lacking strength.
After the Games, Hardon moved to Vanuatu where she worked as a secretary to the British Resident Commissioner for nearly two decades. She also spent nine years working in England before returning home to Australia.
