Marlene Mathews to Attend 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games

The 92-year-old Olympic medallist aims to attend her third set of Australian-hosted games in 2032.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Olympics

Marlene Mathews to Attend 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games

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Marlene Mathews, a dual bronze medallist from the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, plans to attend the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games. Her goal is to complete an Australian Olympics trifecta after participating in the 2000 Sydney Games opening ceremony.

Why it matters

Mathews aims to mark a unique personal milestone by attending games held in three different Australian cities. Her presence remains a living link to the nation's 1956 team, as only 54 of the original 325 members are still living.

Of the 325 athletes on the 1956 Australian team, only 54 remain alive today. Australia secured 13 gold medals during the 1956 Melbourne Games.

The players

Marlene Mathews

A 92-year-old Australian sprinter and double bronze medallist at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.

Betty Cuthbert

An Australian sprinting legend who won gold in the 100m and 200m at the 1956 Games and died in 2017.

Dawn Fraser

A celebrated Australian swimmer and Olympic champion who is currently 89 years old.

The details

Mathews attended a recent dinner in Melbourne marking the anniversary of the 1956 Games, where she reflected on her career despite being excluded from the 4x100m relay team by selectors who deemed her unsuitable for the event. She previously won bronze medals in Melbourne and marched in the 2000 Sydney Olympics opening ceremony.

1956: Mathews won two bronze medals in Melbourne.
2000: Mathews marched in the Sydney Games opening ceremony.
2017: Betty Cuthbert passed away.
October 2026: Australian Olympic Committee dinner held in Melbourne.
22 November 2026: Anniversary of the 1956 opening ceremony marked in Melbourne.

Season Trajectory

The 1956 Melbourne Olympics set the standard for Australian hosting that the nation looks to replicate in 2032. This trajectory bridges early post-war sporting success with the future Brisbane Games programme.

Mathews continues to represent a diminishing cohort of Australian sporting history as the country prepares for its next home Games. Her planned attendance highlights the rare endurance of 1956 team members across 76 years of Olympic history.

The takeaway

Mathews serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of Australian Olympic athletes who competed during the mid-20th century. Her commitment to attending the 2032 Games highlights the deep connection between past participants and the future of the nation's sporting events.