Mary Hodson

Educated as Morecambe Grammar School, Mary Hodson first attracted attention running for Lancashire Schools in a 150 yards race in 1958 when she was 11. That year she joined the Lunesdale Athletics Club in Lancaster but, when it was obvious that she had a great deal of talent, she joined the Bury & Radcliffe Club in 1963. In her first winter with her new club, Hodson took up cross-country running for extra fitness during the track and field off-season. She immediately enjoyed success and helped Bury and Radcliffe win the English national team title for the first time, and she also won the junior title.

Back in the track, Hodson won the 1964 English schools senior 880 yards title, and that year also won the 440-, 880-, and one mile at the Lancashire Women´s Championships at Warrington - all in record times. Her 880 records at the English Schools Championships stood until 1969 when broken by Norine Braithwaite, daughter of the 1968 Olympic shooting gold medallist Bob Braithwaite.

Hodson was selected for the Tokyo Olympics while still 17, and the month before the Games set the UK all-comers 800 metres record of 2:05.3 when she beat Ann Packer into second place in a race at White City. It was also the world´s fastest time by a 17-year-old woman as Hodson reduced her PB by 15 seconds in 12 months. Unfortunately, at the Olympics, she fell short of her best time and was eliminated in the semi-final.

Injuries virtually put an end to Hodson´s competitive athletics career in 1966 although she briefly made a comeback with Bury and Radcliffe in 1969 after a three-year lay-off. Hodson studied politics at Lancaster University and later became a social worker for Lancashire County Council.

Personal Best: 800 – 2:05.3 (1964).