The Australian Women's Register

Summary

Eileen Wearne became the second woman to represent Australia in athletics at the Olympic Games when she competed in the 100 meter sprint at Los Angeles in 1932. Unfortunately, she did not compete at her best in Los Angeles; she finished fourth in her heat in the time of 12.5 seconds which meant that she did not make the finals. On her return to Sydney, however, she continued to compete and won state and Australian titles throughout the 1930s. She and the first woman to represent Australia in athletics at the Olympic Games, Edith Robinson, enjoyed a healthy rivalry. In 1938, she represented Australia at the British Empire Games where she won a gold medal in the 4 X 100 yard relay and a bronze medal in the 200 meter sprint.

An extremely attractive young woman, so much so that, whilst in Los Angeles, she caught the eye of the U.S. media. In an article entitled ‘Future Weissmullers, Beautiful Amazons Keenly watched by Scurrying Studio Scouts’, a journalist noted that ‘scouts from the picture camps have been roving the practice fields ever since the first boatload of athletes was unloaded.’ One of those at training who they noticed was ‘Eileen Wearne of Australia’ who had ‘ a beautiful figure, a great deal of poise and a nice voice.’ Wearne’s looks, according to her teammates, were ‘ proof that athletic competition does not detract from the beauty or femininity of women.’

Wearne retired from athletics in 1940 but remained involved in the Olympic movement. She was an active member of the New South Wales Olympian Club and loved attending reunion lunches.

Events

• 1931

  Winner of the first triathlon championship in New South Wales

• 1932

  Set the national record of 11.2 seconds over 100 yards

• 1938

  Athletics – 440y Medley Relay

  Gold Medalist at Sydney Empire Games
• 1932

  Competed at Los Angeles