Clare McCarty (Geise)

Walker
Inducted 25 November 2009

Clare McCarty was born in Cessnock in 1941. Clare attended West Cessnock Primary School followed by Cessnock High School, before she started working in Newcastle where she subsequently made her home with her young family.

From an early age Clare showed a great interest in athletics. She was a member of Little Athletics, and progressed through the ranks, first in running and then excelling in walking. She won several Newcastle and Hunter titles in walking and running, before winning numerous events at the State level.

Her athletics career reached its peak in the mid-1960s. In 1963 and 1964 she won the Australian Women 880 yards walking championship, and in 1965 became the Australian Women one mile track champion in a time of 7 minutes 53.3 seconds. At that time, walking was not an Olympic event, but had it been, it is quite possible Clare would have been a medal contender, given that her times were then amongst the world’s fastest.

In recognition of her achievements, Clare was awarded the key to the city by the then Council.

Clare continued her interest in athletics during her adult life, coaching athletes in walking and participating regularly in fun runs and the Sydney City to Surf. She also won many tennis tournaments in Newcastle competition tennis.

Clare died in 2006.

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Plaque location
61 Vincent Street, Cessnock (garden bed)