Athletics at the 1956 Melbourne Summer Games:

Marjorie Jackson was the defending champion and had been Commonwealth Games 100 champion in both 1950 and 1954. But she retired after the 1954 Commonwealth title, and chose not to defend in her native Australia. Shortly before the Melbourne Olympics, Australia found another great sprinter in Betty Cuthbert who broke the 220 yard world record with 23.2. She was favored at the Olympics and became the “Golden Girl,” named for her blonde hair and the three gold medals she won in the 100, 200, and 4x100 relay. The 100 was a comfortable win for her in 11.5, after setting an Olympic record of 11.4 in the first round.