Phyllis Lightbourn took up track and field at the age of seven and, after World War II, set several national Bermudan records across various events. This led to her selection to represent her country at the 1948 Summer Olympics, where she was eliminated in the opening round of the 100 and 200 metres races, as well as the long jump. She also competed at the 1952 Games, now as Phyllis Jones, in the 100 metres and the long jump, with similar results. She retired briefly in 1953, but returned to competition at the national level in 1954, before retiring for good upon marrying American Naval Officer Gilbert Sherburne the following year. After a short stay in Alaska, the couple moved to New London, Connecticut, when Gilbert was sent to teach at the United States Coast Guard Academy. Phyllis volunteered to coach at the institution and, under head coach William Newton, she became the first female track coach at a higher institution in the United States, at the age of only 28. The couple later settled in Florida.
Personal Bests: 100 – unknown; 200 – unknown; LJ – unknown.
Games | Discipline (Sport) / Event | NOC / Team | Pos | Medal | As | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1948 Summer Olympics | Athletics | ![]() |
Phyllis Lightbourn | |||
100 metres, Women (Olympic) | 6 h1 r2/3 | |||||
200 metres, Women (Olympic) | 7 h1 r2/3 | |||||
Long Jump, Women (Olympic) | 16 r1/2 | |||||
1952 Summer Olympics | Athletics | ![]() |
Phyllis Jones | |||
100 metres, Women (Olympic) | 5 h10 r1/4 | |||||
Long Jump, Women (Olympic) | 33 r1/2 |