A TRIPLE WINNER

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 128, 24 February 1938, Page 5

A TRIPLE WINNER

Interests And Career Of Empire

Games Victor

MISS DECIMA NORMAN, triple winner at the Empire Games, set an unprecedented record with her successes. It was the first time she had represented her country, and her friends claim that it was her courage and determination that helped her so much. It was not until December last that Miss Norman experienced any open competition to test her. “My trainer believes that I was per-

forming better in 11)36 than I am now,” the’ Empire Games victor said laughingly iin .tini interview: with the: “Sydney Morning Herald,” “and I was certainly'keen to try to win a place in the Olympic Games' team.' ■ However, we had.no.women’s.athletic association in the 'West; arid no one'seemed interested! in aiXdividuals, sol I had: to give up all ideas of Olympic .coriuoetition and

set about forming a women’s association in Perth, so that some of us would - be eligible for the Empire Games.” When asked which sport she liked best, Miss Norman said she thought athletics just won in popularity, but that she was very glad that they were held at different seasons of the year, as she did enjoy her hockey. Another of Miss Norman’s many activities is surf live-saving. “In the West

•there are ■ a number of women’s surf life-saving clubs which have their own organisation apart from the men. I get much fun from competing in the beach relays.”- , .Tennis : is another of the sports which Australia’s No. .1 woman athlete enjoys. “I am.not-a very good player, .but it is.a grand game, and I never miss, an ' opportunity of .playing, it. Tin new Empire champion is modest

about her achievements. She puts it down to her good luck. Those who know her best say that she has worked very hard, is always cheerful, and the “life of the party” wherever she goes, anfi is deserving of her many victories. They also pay tribute to her business ability.

“When Decinfa wanted to come here for the Games, it meant that all members of the staff of the radio firm to which she is a private secretary, had to cancel their leave or postpone it. There was not a murmur about, this, and she is bound to get a grand recejttion when she goes home. They will think their small sacrifice more than worth while.” Apparently Miss Norman has the business at her finger-tips/ and she is so valuable a member of the staff that the firm prefers to make all mantlet of adjustments when she requires leave for her sporting fixtures rather than lose her services. An exceedingly bright and interesting young woman. Miss Norman is a champion of whom Australia may wel’ be proud. She has won popularity with the crowd because of her spectacular efforts, but what is more important, she is popular with her team mates and her opponents. Only a sportswoman of the highest order can achieve peisonal popularity with her closest associates. and this the Western Austr: linn girl lias done.