It was on this day, October 20, 1964, that Reading Athletic Club’s Ann Packer delivered one of the most spectacular performances in Olympic history by capturing gold in the Tokyo 800m final.
Known primarily as a British champion sprinter, hurdler, and long jumper—and having already secured a silver medal in the Tokyo 400m—Packer was initially reluctant to even enter the 800m, in those days the longest distance ran by the women athletes. What’s more, the Olympic final marked only the seventh time she had ever raced the distance. Lining up for the start Ann was th second-slowest qualifier after a 2:12.6 semi-final run.
What followed was a breathtaking display of raw power, her sprinting pedigree and tactical resolve. Trailing in fifth place down the final back straight, Ann launched a devastating surge over the last 250 metres. Forced to work her way wide into lane three around the final bend, she powered past the field and surged down the home straight to take the gold. She crossed the line in 2:01.1 minutes, setting a new world record on a cinder track, and to this day a club record, and the longest-lasting Senior Women’s record at that.
Watch the video link below to witness this historic run. Thank you, Ann Packer—you remain a profound inspiration to today’s club athletes.
