A CELEBRATION was held by local residents in October to mark 60 years since Wells’ golden girl, Mary Bignal Rand, won the women’s long jump at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
Not only did she win the gold medal and set a new long jump world record, but at the same Games she also won a silver medal in the pentathlon and a bronze medal in the 4 x 100m relay.
Exactly 60 years after her gold medal feat, on October 14, 2024, a group of local residents got together in front of the Mary Bignal Rand gates at the Athletic Ground in Rowdens Road, Wells, to toast Mary’s remarkable achievements.
The length of Mary’s long jump (22ft 2¼in, or 6.76m) is measured out in Wells Market Place. She was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 1964, and made a MBE in the 1965 New Year Honours for services to athletics. In 2012, she was awarded the Freedom of the City of Wells following a campaign by Wells resident Tony Williams, who organised a celebration dinner to mark the award at Wells Golf Club, and also organised the 60th anniversary celebration.
He told Wells Voice: “I can hardly believe that it is 60 years since Mary Bignal Rand did her epic world-beating long jump at the Tokyo Olympics. She was not only known as ‘The Golden Girl’ of British athletics, she was the first British lady ever to win an Olympic Gold medal in field or track events.
“Born and growing up in Wells, she was an incredibly talented natural athlete and so well deserving of her Freedom of the City awarded in 2012.
“For many years, and to this day, I get so much pleasure from seeing visitors of all ages attempting to pace out that monumental jump depicted on the pavement in Wells Market Square.”
Paul Chadwick, a senior coach at Wells City Harriers, said that Mary’s achievements are highlighted to junior club members to inspire the next generation of athletes.
Her prowess at athletics was honed at Millfield School in Street, where her medals are displayed. She is now living in Nevada in the United States.
Mary Bignal Rand’s niece, Mary Bignal, said that she was so proud of her Aunt Mary, and that when her aunt heard about the celebration event she said: “Oh how nice, thank you for remembering me. I have many happy memories and I am sending my love to all my friends in Wells.”
• Picture: Toasting Mary Bignal Rand’s achievements, at the Mary Bignal Rand gates, are, from left, Paul Chadwick, Mary Bignal, Tony Williams and Philip Welch