The word legend is used too loosely nowadays when we are referring to sports people, but this time it is truly warranted. Born to compete, Mary Thomas has proven she is now a legend of her sport by being named The World Thrower of the Year by the World Masters Association.
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Mary Thomas began her athletic career as a schoolgirl. An early highlight was taking on the might of Ilsa Konrads. Known for her strength in the pool, Konrads was considered the favourite for the Combined High Schools javelin title, but little did she realise she was up against a person just as strong, with better technique.
On this day a “legend of our sport” was born and Mary Thomas has not looked back. Better known for her javelin as her top event, Thomas quickly established herself as one of the best, but was denied Olympic Games selection when selectors believed she was too young.
The selectors in those days may have done Mary a favour, as she went on to take out more NSW titles than most athletes, then Australian titles, and in later years, became the top Masters athlete in field events.
Although she was a highly talented javelin thrower, as a junior and senior athlete, she also excelled in the other throwing events such as shot put, discus and hammer.
In masters competition she has also added the heavy weight, weight pentathlon and has out-thrown most masters athletes regardless of differnces in ages.
Her success with the javelin was the driving force behind former Commonwealth Games champion and Olympic Games silver medallist Louise McPaul Currey, who as a fellow member of Illawarra Blue Stars, once described Mary as her “hero” and truly a person to follow.
Mary has also become a technical official and enjoys being out on the field assisting others. And when it comes to coaching her chosen events, she is always willing to give a helping hand to others but prefers to be competing herself.
Mary Thomas is acknowledged as “one of the very best” and this award as the Best Masters Thrower in the World is not only justified but an acknowledgment of the longevity of her career. From a primary school athlete with talent and a combined high school athlete who beat a legend, to a junior /senior athlete who took more state javelin titles than any other athlete, and now a Masters athlete acknowledged as the best in the world.
What a career and what an athlete. Mary Thomas and deserves to be classified as a legend of our sport.
