Olympic gold medalist Betty Cuthbert offered state funeral

Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan has offered a state funeral for Olympic great Betty Cuthbert, who died overnight aged 79 following a long battle with multiple sclerosis.

Cuthbert, who won four athletics gold medals including three at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, lived in Mandurah near Perth for more than 20 years.

“She was a wonderful Australian, a golden girl from a golden era in Australian sport,” Mr McGowan said.

Tributes have continued to flow for Cuthbert from the athletics world and beyond.

“I have never met anyone that had such great faith and determination. It was this faith that kept her going for so long and through the most difficult times,” said Marlene Matthews, Cuthbert’s greatest Australian rival.

Raelene Boyle pushed Cuthbert’s wheelchair during the opening ceremony at the 2000 Olympics, she’s told the ABC, Cuthbert was a legend of the sport.

“She was so humble and nice. She didn’t have any airs and graces about herself because of what she had done. She was easy to talk to, easy to approach and gave great guidance.”