Dame Yvette Williams Memorial Athletics Meet
22 November 2025, 3:00pm Caledonian Ground, Dunedin
Athletics Otago is hosting the Dame Yvette Williams athletics meet to honour Dunedin-born Olympian Dame Yvette Williams. Yvette became New Zealand’s first female Olympic gold medallist at the 1952 Helsinki Games, broke the long jump world record in 1954, and claimed five medals across two Commonwealth Games.
The meet which is the first of the Athletics New Zealand National Permit competitions features events she excelled in, aiming to inspire today’s athletes to follow her example, including her 21 national titles in shot put, discus, javelin, hurdles, and long jump. Entries are now open for both the Yvette Williams Meet and the Pre-Meet events (from 1:00pm), both of which feature World Athletics E and F permitted events.
With a diverse programme spanning both track and field events, the schedule includes opportunities for athletes of all abilities to compete in a range of disciplines reminiscent of Dame Yvette’s career, from the steeplechase and hurdles to the high jump, shot put, and more, ensuring an exciting afternoon of competition at the Caledonian Ground for participants and spectators alike.
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Support the Dame Yvette Williams Meet—honouring a legend and empowering athletes through an inclusive, community-driven event
Article added: Monday 29 September 2025
