It is largely through Bridget’s involvement that women have achieved equality with men in all athletic events, introducing the hammer, steeplechase, triple jump and pole vault to their programme, during the 1980’s. She was the instigator of drug testing at veterans’ events and serves on the appropriate WAVA sub-committee.
Bridget was a member of the team that successfully negotiated unity between the two existing world veterans’ organisations and the IAAF in 1983. Bridget was also a guest speaker at the IAF seminar on International Year of Women in Athletics, Granada, October 1998 regarding ‘athletics and ageing’.
At home, Bridget has been instrumental in the development of veteran’s athletics in the UK, having served as the Secretary of the British Masters Athletic Federation since 1984. She was a member of the Organising Committee for the 1st European Veterans Indoor Championships held in Birmingham in 1997 attracting 1,300 competitors from 33 countries and with the World Veterans Track & Field Championships held in Gateshead, UK in 1999 when over 5000 athletes from 78 countries participated. She is currently helping to organise the annual British & Irish Masters International Cross Country.
Bridget Cushen has been tireless in her efforts to expand the role of, and gain recognition for, veterans’ athletics, at both world and national level, and UK Athletics is proud to nominate her for selection to the IAAF Veterans’ Committee.
