Kathy Smallwood-Cook, English sprinter and educator

Kathryn Jane Cook, born Kathryn Smallwood on 3 May 1960, stands as an enduring figure in British athletics. Renowned as a former elite athlete, she meticulously honed her skills in sprint events and sprint relays, carving out a legacy as one of the most successful female sprinters in the nation's history. Her career was distinguished by remarkable consistency, versatility across distances, and an ability to perform on the grandest stages.

Her name is synonymous with Olympic success, having secured an impressive three Olympic bronze medals. A highlight of her career was undoubtedly the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, where she earned a bronze medal in the fiercely competitive 400 metres event, showcasing her individual prowess. Beyond the Olympics, Cook's individual achievements are equally illustrious. She claimed victory in the 200 metres at the 1981 Universiade, a major international multi-sport event for university athletes. The same year, she demonstrated her speed over shorter distances, finishing second in the 100 metres at the 1981 World Cup, further cementing her status as a global competitor. Her collection of accolades also includes a bronze medal in the 200 metres at the prestigious 1983 World Championships, underscoring her consistent top-tier performance.

Cook's sustained excellence was recognised by the athletics community, earning her the esteemed British Athletics Writers' Association Female Athlete of the Year Award three consecutive times, from 1980 to 1982. This run of awards speaks volumes about her dominance during that period, reflecting her impact and the high regard in which she was held by those observing the sport.

A Legacy Etched in Records: National and World Bests

Perhaps one of the most compelling aspects of Kathryn Cook's career is the remarkable longevity of her national records. She simultaneously held the UK National records for the 100m, 200m, and 400m for an astonishing period of over 25 years – a testament to her pioneering speed and the high bar she set for future generations of British sprinters.

• 100m Record: Her blistering best of 11.10 seconds stood as the UK record from 1981 until 2008, a span of 27 years.
• 200m Record: Cook first broke the 200m national record in 1979. Her definitive personal best of 22.10 seconds, set later, remained the UK record from 1984 until 2015, an incredible 31 years.
• 400m Record: She initially broke the 400m national record in 1982. Her exceptional time of 49.43 seconds then stood as the UK record from 1984 until 2013, maintaining its status for 29 years.

Her impact extended beyond individual events to team relays. At the 1980 Moscow Olympics, alongside formidable teammates Heather Hunte, Bev Goddard, and Sonia Lannaman, Kathryn Cook was part of the quartet that set a UK record in the sprint relay with a time of 42.43 seconds. This relay record remained unbroken for an impressive 34 years, finally being surpassed in 2014. Furthermore, she was a former holder of the World Best for the less commonly contested 300 metres event, clocking an outstanding time of 35.46 seconds in 1984.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kathryn Cook

What events did Kathryn Cook specialize in during her athletics career?

Kathryn Cook specialized in sprint events, particularly the 100 metres, 200 metres, and 400 metres, as well as sprint relays, notably the 4x100 metres relay.

How many Olympic medals did Kathryn Cook win?

Kathryn Cook won a total of three Olympic bronze medals. This includes an individual bronze medal in the 400 metres at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

What were some of her other significant international achievements?

Beyond her Olympic medals, Kathryn Cook achieved significant success by winning the 200 metres at the 1981 Universiade, securing second place in the 100 metres at the 1981 World Cup, and earning a bronze medal in the 200 metres at the 1983 World Championships.

How long did Kathryn Cook hold her UK National records?

Her UK National record for the 100m (11.10s) stood for 27 years (1981–2008). Her 200m record (22.10s) stood for 31 years (1984–2015), and her 400m record (49.43s) stood for 29 years (1984–2013). The 4x100m sprint relay record she helped set in 1980 stood for 34 years until 2014.

What is the British Athletics Writers' Association Female Athlete of the Year Award?

This award, which Kathryn Cook won three times consecutively (1980–1982), is a prestigious recognition bestowed by athletics journalists in Britain to honour outstanding female athletic performance within the year.

What is the significance of a "World Best" versus a "World Record" in athletics?

A "World Best" generally refers to the best performance ever achieved in an event that is not formally recognized by the sport's governing body (World Athletics) as a standard event for world record purposes. The 300 metres, while contested, is not typically a championship distance, hence "World Best" rather than "World Record."