Sports medal, Farmers Trading Company

item details

NameSports medal, Farmers Trading Company

ProductionUnknown; manufacturer(s); 1934; New Zealand

Classificationmedals

Materialsgold, ink, velvet, satin

Materials Summaryengraved gold in presentation box

Techniquesgoldsmithing, metalworking, engraving, casting, engraving

DimensionsOverall: 5mm (width), 40mm (height), 33mm (length), 33mm (diameter)

Registration NumberGH021309

Credit lineGift of Margaret L Bailey, in memory of Jean A. Dickson, 2006

Overview

This medal was awarded to national woman's swimming representative and champion, Jean Thomson. An Aucklander, Jean specialised in breast stroke and freestyle and won her first championship event in 1926. She continued to compete nationally until 1938.

In 1937 she was appointed sports mistress at Solway College and later married Peter Dickson, a men's national swimming representative from Wanganui.

Thomson held executive positions in the Auckland, Auckland University College and Parnell swimming clubs and was awarded University 'blues' for four consecutive years in the early 1930s. She won this particular medal while working at Farmers' Trading Company in Auckland.

In 1937 Jean was also the first woman in New Zealand (and possibly the first woman in the British Empire) to gain the two highest awards of the Royal Life Saving Society, both the Fresh and Sea Water Diplomas.