In the 1930s Gladys Batt, running in spikes on grass, was the fastest SA female sprinter, holding the 75 and 100 yard records.
In 1930, Gladys Batt established a new State record for the 75-yard sprint in a time of 9 seconds flat and was described as ‘the fleetest of the coterie of spiked shoe performers.’
Further to that, it was said she had ‘no equal in the state.’
Running for Adelaide Harriers, a year later, she set a new SA 100-yards record in 11.7 seconds.
Seemingly intent on challenging the status quo for women, she was one of few women who trained every day. But more than that, she trained with the men at the Goodwood Oval under the guidance of coach Wally Lapthorne.
Gladys Batt was already active in other sports – netball, tennis, swimming and roller- skating – but loved the track. She represented SA at the first Australian Championships in Melbourne in 1930 and ran fourth in the 100 yards sprint.
Her SA uniform for the national championships was somewhat uninspiring – a brown background, a blue ‘SA” emblazoned across the blouse, and black shorts which were to be worn no higher than 8’ above the knee.
Gladys was one of a small group of women who challenged convention by competing in a new event for females – the 220 yards – which prior to this, was considered too strenuous and too dangerous for women.
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