Such was her impact on SA tennis that a Gwen Thiele Memorial Trophy is presented each year to SA’s best and most promising Under-18 female player.
In a memorable day of her career, on outside grass courts at Memorial Drive, Gwen Thiele and Tom Warhurst, both from SA, reached the final of the Australian Open mixed doubles.
Although she lost on that day 7-9, 5-7, three years later Gwen Thiele would reach the final of the Australian Open again, this time in the women’s doubles, partnered by Nell Hopman.
Once again, she was a runner-up, but Gwen Thiele was a committed devotee of the game. In fact, she entered the Australian Open for 19 consecutive years from 1946 to 1965.
An Advertiser article of December 1937 states that SA selectors, in choosing women to represent SA at the Australian Championships, had no trouble selecting Gwen Thiele (nee O’Halloran). “Miss O’Halloran is outstanding, and her selection was automatic.”
Such was her impact on SA tennis that a Gwen Thiele Memorial Trophy is presented each year to SA’s best and most promising Under-18 female player.
She is also an inductee in the SA Tennis Legends Club.
At the top of her game, The Advertiser described her form in winning the City of Adelaide title at Memorial Drive in this way: “Mrs. Thiele’s forehand is inclined to be vulnerable at times, but today she hit it perfectly, scoring winner after winner deep to the backhand corner.
Miss Linn hit a lot back, particularly from the backhand, but could make no impression against the machine-like driving of Mrs. Thiele.”
She remained heavily involved with managing State junior teams including the Wilson Cup teams., was the first woman elected to the State Association Management Committee, after a constitution change to allow women a presence in administration.
She was also a foundation and respected member of the Umpires’ Association and often took the centre chair for various SA finals.
