Transplant Games Triumph
From The Post-Times – Monday 2nd October, 1989
A BUNDOORA resident’s outstanding performance at the World Transplant Games helped Australia earn second place out of 34 teams.
Christine Griffiths, a bone marrow transplant recipient won gold medals for the 3000m track event and tennis doubles and a silver medal for the 200m sprint.
“It was wonderful. Apparently the look on my face said it all,” Ms Griffiths said.
Her time for the 200m sprint was 38 seconds.
“For me that was good because I had only been sprinting for two months. I’m a long distance runner.
“I was so nervous for the tennis match but my partner helped me through.
“Running was different because running is my area.”
Ms Griffiths said the Singapore games should have been called the friendship games.
“We all shook hands before we competed. And during the closing ceremony I had people run up and give me mementos.”
She said the game’s biggest problem was the language barrier.
“But I made an effort to speak to the people who could not speak English.”
The United Kingdom came first and the United States third.
The transplant games are held every two years.
Hungary will host the 1991 games.
(photo caption)
GOLD and silver medal winner in the World Transplant Games, Christine Griffiths, is proud of her achievements.
Picture: GEOFF FOLETTA