Jean Scrivens

Jean Scrivens started running at the age of 11 but did not take up competitive athletics until she was 17. She was a member of the London-based Selsonia Ladies and was eventually rewarded with a life membership for her many years of loyal and distinguished service to the club.

Scrivens won the WAAA Intermediate (under-17) 100 yards title in 1952 and was third in the senior WAAA 100 in 1953. She won the WAAA 220 yards title in 1955 and was second to June Paul in 1956. That podium finish won her a place on the Melbourne Olympics squad where she reached the 200 metres semi-final and won a silver medal in the 4x100 relay.

Scrivens was also the Surrey 100 yards champion in 1952-54, the 220 champion 1955-56, and Southern Counties 220 yards champion 1954-55. A former London Transport clerk, Scrivens announced her retirement from the sport in 1957 when she also announced that she was marrying the Herne Hill Harriers miler, and rugby player, Leslie McKenzie.

Personal Bests: 100 – 12.0 (1956); 200 – 24.27 (1956).