Newyddion

12/01/2022 00:00, I Mewn Blog / History /

Welsh Athletics has recently heard the sad news of Vivienne's passing and wish to offer our most sincere condolences to her daughters Rhianwen and Cerys,her sister Venissa and her brother Alvin.

Vivienne was born in Merthyr Tydfil an identical twin sister to Venissa and during her early and young adult life she shared almost all her interests with her sister, including the love of athletics and music.

Vivienne first came to the attention of athletics in Wales when the Physical Education teacher at Cyfarthfa Castle Grammar School contacted the governing body at that time- the Welsh Womens AAA  to advise them of two very talented pupils namely Vivienne  and her sister Venissa.

Vivienne's talent was nurtured at school when she was chosen to represent her school and county in the Welsh Schools National Track and Field Championships when she won the senior discus  in 1973 and 1974.

After her GCSE' she left school and joined the Women's Royal Army Corp. where she trained as a Physical Training Instructor. This afforded her the opportunity of further involvement in athletics in terms of both training and competition. During this time she represented the army not only in athletics but in hockey and netball.

On completing her military service she joined the Metropolitan Police Force after which she transferred to the Somerset and Avon Force to be nearer Wales.

Vivienne also became a member of the Cardiff Amateur Athletics Club where she was able to compete within the United Kingdom at the highest level.She won the Welsh Women's Discus title for three consecuitve years from 1976 to 1978 at this time she held the welsh record, represented Wales at international level nine times between 1975 and 1979 and competed for Great Britain in 1977.

When she retired from competition she became involved in the building industry where she was able to use her skills and artistic talents in a range of projects prior to become a mother in the early 1990's when her daughters Rhianwen and Cerys were born..

Thirteen years ago Vivienne had her first cancer diagnosis but lived life to the full accepting the challenges and cultivating her interests.She did all this whist supporting her girls through university

Vivienne finally lost her fight against her illnesses in December 2021 but will be fondly remembered and sorely missed by her family and numerous friends.

Lynette Harries MBE

Hon President of Welsh Athletics