Marjorie Turner ignored public criticism for allowing her male coach to massage her legs after competition.
Marjorie Turner was one of the female athletes of the time who received public and administrative criticism for allowing her male coach to “rub” her legs after training and competing.
Marjorie Turner and others considered the criticism a slur against their character. At that time, it was common for male coaches to massage their male athletes’ legs during competition season – but this was yet another impediment to women who wished to be active and to compete.
If massaging was to take place, it should not occur in public view, according to the norms of the time. The female athletes continued on with the practice, nevertheless.
Marjorie was a sprinter with the Adelaide Harriers Club, succeeding Glady Batt as the State’s fastest sprinter through the 1930s. Her best times: 11.7 for 100 yards & 27 sec for 220 yards.
On Adelaide Oval in 1936, she ran second by 12” to the great Australian champion, Clarice Kennedy, from NSW in the 100 yards. She also ran a close second in the 200 yards.
On Adelaide Oval in 1936, she ran second by 12” to the great Australian champion, Clarice Kennedy, from NSW in the 100 yards. She also ran a close second in the 200 yards.
In front of thousands of spectators, the starter pulled two South Australian runners from the start line after breaking twice, and much to the jeers of the crowd toward the starter, the race started again.
Marjorie Turner showed she could manage the anxious circumstances and ran extremely well against Clarice Kennedy.
Controversially, Clarice Kennedy, despite winning four events at the nationals, was not selected for the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. Her omission caused huge national outcry including questions raised in Parliament.
When youngster, Joan Dansie (below and left), emerged as a sensational 15-year- old sprinter in 1939, Marjorie Turner turned her hand to coaching to support greater numbers of females joining the sport.
The sensational 15-year-old sprinter, Joan Dansie whom many considered to have the potential to be national champion practices her starts with fellow sprinter, Marg O’Leary. She was also a long jumper.
