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Press, 19 February 1986, Page 42

Louise Stephen (Technical) about to leave the blocks in the Fresh-up Canterbury under-19 4 x 100 m relay championship at Queen Elizabeth II Park last Sunday. The Technical team won from Toe H in the fast time of 49.58.

For Miss Stephen, aged 16, it was the first step along the path to athletics greatness taken by her mother, Marise Chamberlain, some 20 years ago. Marise Chamberlain developed

from one of New Zealand’s leading sprinters into a middle-distance world record holder in the early 19605.

She had a personal best of 10.8 s for the 100yds, set a New Zealand record of 24.5 s for the 220yds, broke the world 440yds record four times (her best was 53.65), and was inside the world 880yds record when finishing second to the Australian, Dixie Willis, in Perth.

Her time was 2min 1.35. The record went to Miss Willis, but a few days later Marise Chamberlain gained her revenge, beating the Australian over a mile in the world-best time of 4min 40s.

Marise Chamberlain won 17 New Zealand championships — one over 220yds nine over 440 yds and seven over 880yds. One of the high points in her career was at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964. She claimed the

bronze medal in the 800 m. Louise’s father, Dennis Stephen, was also a top sprinter, so she has the background to do well. At present she is concentrating on sprints and hurdles under the guidance of Mr Valdemars Briedis, who coached her mother throughout her career. And he is very pleased with her potential. “She has the ability to do well,’’ he said.