Avis McIntosh

New Zealand track and field athlete Avis McIntosh specialised in the hurdles, but also competed in sprint events and the long jump. McIntosh excelled at athletics from an early age, winning multiple school and college titles, along with cross-country races at the Auckland Championships. In 1958 she won her first national title with victory in the 80 metres hurdles, an event she would dominate, winning a further seven consecutive titles. During this time she was also selected to represent New Zealand at the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Perth, Australia, winning bronze in both the 80 metres hurdles and the 4 x 110 yards relay.

In 1963 McIntosh became the New Zealand national champion in the 100 yards. One year later she set a national record in the 80 metres hurdles to earn herself a place at the Tokyo Olympics. At the Games she ran in both the 100 metres and the 80 metres hurdles, reaching the quarter-finals and semi-finals, respectively. Her final national title came in 1966 with gold in the long jump.

McIntosh was a fine all-round athlete, winning more than 20 regional titles in Auckland, including 10 consecutive titles in the 80 metres hurdles, five in the long jump, three in the pentathlon, and others including sprint events and the high jump. She continued to compete in masters athletics, winning gold at the 1981 World Veteran Games in Christchurch in the 80 metres hurdles, along with silver in the 100 yards. McIntosh set New Zealand masters records in multiple track and field disciplines at both 50 and 60 years of age.

Personal Bests: 100y – 10.8 (1961); 80H – 10.88 (1962).