Mary Axtell

Mary Axtell sadly passed away on Monday 17th April following a short stay in Hospital.

Mary was our club President, a role that she was immensely proud of and was always on hand to present medals to the Quad Kids, entertain the Mayor and present the Presidents Award at our annual awards evening.

Mary was also an active athlete and a highly qualified and respected track official. She was involved in organising club activities, home fixtures and officials before passing this task to myself almost 10 years ago. This was when I quickly discovered that there was only one way to do things, the proper way, Mary's way.

She was a professional in every way, always gave 100% and always with a smile.

Mary's interest in athletics started in the 1950's when in her own words 'showed sporting ability, beating the boys at running.' From as young as 13 Mary's talent was easy to see and in 1953 her PE teacher persuaded her to join Southampton Amateur Athletic Club and that was the start of a very long relationship.

Recently Mary had set about cataloguing her medals, certificates and newspaper clippings from her long athletics career. One of her prized possessions must be a certificate signed by Harold Abrahams (Chariots of fire) at the age of 16 Mary for her 100 yard speed of 11.1 seconds. Mary continued to excel and in 1963 she appears in the World Athletics Women's All-Time rating for 60 metres.

Mary returned to athletics to compete in the Masters events where she would frequently come home with multiple medals.

Mary had a long and successful career with athletics and her determined and generous nature has left it's mark on Southampton Athletic Club.

Mary will be missed hugely.

Your Chair

Tracey