Shirley Charles

A few weeks ago, a 14year old Waimea College pupil, Shirley Charles, returned from Masterton with her 21st roller skating title of the year. Add these to the 16 records she holds at present and to the five South Island titles she holds, and it becomes very apparent why we have selected Shirley as our Sportsman of the Month.

What makes a champion? Ability? Certainly. But above all else complete dedication to the job in hand, and it is dedication to training that has taken Shirley to the top. Nearly every night she travels by bus to the rink at Tahunanui to be coached and to train, and train. She commenced skating at the age of 6 (below inset) and has been winning titles ever since. In 1966 she broke both the national championship and New Zealand records in the 440 yards and she still holds the national record. Although she has gained most success in speed events, she is also an accomplished free skater and has won a number of titles in this class.

Only space prevents us from listing the long record of her successes. Her greatest year has been 1968. She was included in the New Zealand contingent for the Pan-Pacific skating championships in Brisbane where she won two gold medals and a silver medal for a second. As well she possesses the New Zealand gold medal, an internationally recognised award, for speed skating. She is the youngest skater in New Zealand to have this distinction.

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