Ann Packer

Who is Ann Packer?

Ann Elizabeth Packer MBE is an English former sprinter, hurdler and long jumper. She won a gold medal in the 800 metres at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo for Great Britain.

Packer was born in Moulsford, Oxfordshire. She was a member of Reading Athletic Club when she was selected for the British Olympic team, and working as a physical education teacher, at Coombe County Girls' School, New Malden, Surrey, where she was welcomed back by the whole school on her return from Tokyo. She was in the 4 × 110 yards relay team that won a silver medal in the 1962 Commonwealth Games and a bronze medal in the 1962 European Athletics Championships.

Packer travelled to Tokyo in 1964, where she shared a room with long jump gold medallist Mary Rand. Packer was hoping to win her favourite event, the 400 metres, but was beaten into second place by Betty Cuthbert of Australia, despite setting a new European record. After winning a silver medal in the 400 m, Packer had no plans to run in the 800 m and had a shopping trip planned until her fiancé, Robbie Brightwell finished fourth in the 400 m event.