Margaret Cahill’s deep engagement in SA athletics from 1939 to the 1980s is still considered legendary.
When Margaret Cahill was secretary of the SA Women’s Athletics Association, committee meetings were held at the Port Road Police Station at Alberton because Margaret’s husband, Jim, was a police officer.
Meetings in the 1960s would go late into the night and Jim would ensure proper supper was provided for the women.
Little wonder perhaps that Margaret was the longest serving secretary of the association – stretching over three consecutive terms.
The word is overused no doubt, but Margaret Cahill was a legend of athletics in SA, extending from 1939 until the mid 1980s.
She was gracious, wise and well regarded by peers, opponents, colleagues and officials. She was an enduring and committed athlete competing in sprints, field and walking events in her early years.
And amazingly, she was still competing in race walking, shot put, discus and javelin in the Masters Games right up to her death in the mid 1980s.
Race walking was her standout event, peaking with victories in the Australian 440- yard and 880-yard titles in 1948-49.
Race walking was her standout event, peaking with victories in the Australian 440- yard and 880-yard titles in 1948-49.
It was common for women to play multiple roles in the early days of their respective sports and Margaret Cahill was no different. While still competing, she wrote articles for The News and Sunday Mail, giving unprecedented athletics coverage at the time.
At the Australian Championships in Sydney, the athletes had to pay their own way, buy their uniforms and lose pay for 2 weeks’ leave. Margaret therefore chose the cheapest hotel accommodation in Kings Cross. It’s said the athletes had to take care when training early each morning.
Among the multitude of administrative and executive positions for SAWAAA (now Athletics SA) held by Margaret, were the Honorary Secretary and Treasurer prior to the amalgamation with the Men’s Association.
In addition, she was on the Schools Competition Committee, a record keeper, official State and National level jury, race walking judge, state selector, and the Olympic Committee for athletics.
She is a Life Member Athletics SA, Netball SA Life Member, Order of Merit SA Olympic Council, and earned an OAM for Service to Women’s Amateur Athletics in the 1986 Australia Day Honours.
