Yvette Williams

Born in Dunedin in 1930
Spent her early years growing up in Dunedin
In New Zealand won the shot put title with a throw of 31 feet and 7 inches (approx 9.63 metres)
At the Empire Games (now called the Commonwealth Games) in Auckland in 1950 she won the gold medal for the long jump for leaping 19 feet 4 5/8 inches (approx 5.89 metres)
Won the Olympic gold medal at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics for the long jump event leaping 6.24 metres
Awarded the MBE in 1953
Co-founded the Pakuranga Athletic and Harrier Club in 1953
At the Empire Games (now called the Commonwealth Games) in Vancouver in 1954 she won the gold medals for the long jump, the discus and the shot put
Broke the long jump world record in Gisborne in 1954. The world record leap was recorded at 6.29m (20ft 7 1/4 inches) . This record stood for 18 months before it was bettered
Played netball for Otago and the South Island
Played indoor basketball for Otago and New Zealand
She married Buddy Corlett who played basketball and softball for New Zealand in 1954 - subsequently changed her name to Yvette Corlett. They raised four children
Retired from athletics in 1956
Worked as a physical education teacher at Otahuhu and Diocesan schools
In 1990 was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame

Source: Palenski, Ron Champions : New Zealand sports greats of the 20th century