Dorothy Hyman

Competing in the 100M, 200M and 4x100M Relay, Dorothy represented GB at two Olympics, winning a silver and two bronzes at a time when women from Barnsley were rarely given the opportunity to take part in organised sport, let alone at such a high level. Barnsley in the 1960s was a very insular, traditional and male dominated place, and yet despite that background, Dorothy became one of the most successful sprinters in World and one of Britain`s most successful ever female athletes. As well as her achievements at the Olympics, Dorothy also won 8 European and Commonwealth medals and was Sports Personality of the Year in 1963. Dorothy has been the very embodiment of the Olympic spirit in Barnsley, and has worked tirelessly in the community to give others the benefit of her experience and expertise. As well as coaching children of all ages, Dorothy also gives her time freely to support events, projects and programmes in the Town that encourage sporting participation and achievement. Dorothy`s story has inspired countless people from Barnsley to believe that even though they come from a small coal mining town in South Yorkshire, they can do whatever they want, and be the best that they can be.