Kerry moved to the ACT in 1986 to take up a scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport, until 2001 when she retired from Athletics in a career spanning 20 years. K
Kerry started race walking in 1981 and became one of the very best race walkers in the world. 1986 Kerry claimed gold at the Goodwill Games and in 1987 she won silver at the World Athletic Championships and was named the Confederation of Australian Sports and the AIS Sports Person of the Year.
1989 Kerry took gold at the World Indoor Championships and silver at the World Walking Cup and was named the Australian, ABC, Oceania, Confederation of Australian Sport and NSW Sports Person of the Year.
1990 Kerry claim a gold at the Auckland Commonwealth Games and a silver at the Goodwill Games.
1991 she claimed silver at the World Indoor Championships and in 1992 was awarded the Order of Australia for her performances.
Kerry won bronze at the 1993 World Indoor Championships and in 1994 won Gold at the Commonwealth Games held in Victoria.
1996 Kerry set the world record of 20 mins and 3 seconds for the 5km race walk.
1998 Kerry won the silver at the Commonwealth Games and bronze at the 1999 World Athletic Championships.
Kerry was named in the Australian Institute of Sport ‘Best of the Best’. This recognition is held only for the 25 very best athletes that have gone through the AIS.
During her career Kerry represented Australia at three Olympic Games, 24 major international competitions, won 13 individual international medals, won 27 Australian National Championships, set 32 world records and became the oldest athlete to win an international medal in 1999 aged 38. At the 2000 Sydney Olympics Kerry was the oldest competitor aged 39.
Post career Kerry has remained close to her sport, coaching junior walkers in the ACT, served as patron for the ACT Race and Fitness Walking Club and supported Little Athletics. She is a strong supporter of the Women’s Lake Burley Griffin Race Walking Carnival, she holds the record of 2 hours and 31 minutes for the 32km race.
2008 Kerry was selected to carry the Olympic Torch on its Canberra leg to Beijing. Kerry is a pioneer in race walking and her career has provided her with many fond memories that will last a lifetime.
ATHLETICS (RACE WALKING)
Born: 2 June 1961
Inducted: 2008
Full Member