Sarah meeting our Governor - Marjorie Jackson-Nelson - August 2005

Marjorie Jackson-Nelson

'''Marjorie Jackson''' (born September 13, 1931 in Coffs Harbour) is an Australian athlete and the current Governor of South Australia under the name of '''Marjorie Jackson Nelson'''.

Marjorie Jackson first gained fame when she defeated reigning Olympic 100 and 200 m champion Fanny Blankers-Koen a number of times in 1949, earning the nickname "the Lithgow Flash", after the New South Wales town where she lived.

After having won four titles at the 1950 British Empire Games, she came as a favourite to the Helsinki 1952 Summer Olympics. She did not disappoint, and won both the 100 m and 200 m, winning the first Olympic athletics titles for Australia since Teddy Flack in 1896. Having more strong runners in the team, the Australian 4 x 100 m relay team was also a favourite for the gold, but a faulty exchange meant Jackson's chances for third gold medal were gone.

Marjorie Jackson retired from athletics in 1954, after marrying Olympic cyclist Peter Nelson. In late 2001, Jackson was appointed as the governor of South Australia.

Sarah and Marjorie Jackson Nelson at Government House

Sarah, Marjorie Jackson Nelson and Jace at Government House

Sarah at Government House

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