"one moment in time": an olympian in our midst

Young Mo at an international competition.

From the archives: what great form out of the blocks!

Citius, Altius, Fortius
(Faster, Higher, Stronger)
 
By Mo Lewington
 
Editor’s Note: Mo Lewington is one of our “quiet heroes.” Her modesty is especially remarkable when you learn of her international achievements in track and field. She agreed to share her story with us.
Leah Rewolinski
 
When I was a child, running was my idea of playtime. As my legs grew longer I started beating most of the boys at school. My physical education teacher at secondary school encouraged me to join the local athletics club. I was eager to run, train and race, but it took a strong effort to convince my father, who felt I was too young. It worked, I worked (hard), and the rest is history.
 
I was focused on the long jump when our coach, Bill Marlow, told me: “A great long jumper must develop great speed.” So I began training for sprints, working out on the track and in the weight room. This opportunity exposed me to world-class athletes and the value of a strong work ethic.
 
In 1962, at age 15, I won the English Schools Championships in the 150 yards. The following year I became the national champion in the 200 meters, ages 15-17. I began competing at the international level and, at 17, qualified for the 1964 Olympics [as Maureen Tranter].
 
Representing Great Britain at three Olympics
During my ten-year span of international competition, I competed in three European Championships and two Commonwealth Games. I was a member of the British team for three Olympics: 1964 Tokyo (relay squad), 1968 Mexico City (200m, 4 x 100 relay), and 1972 Munich (4 x 400 relay, injured). My career also afforded me two world records (4 x 110 yds, 4 x 200m), and I equaled the UK record of 10.6 in the 100-yard dash.
 
It was a great honor to represent my country in the Olympic Games. There was pressure to perform to the best of one’s ability but also a lot of team spirit and support. While I was proud of my accomplishments, I was also humble in my appreciation of their meaning. As Whitney Houston sang in the Olympic theme, “Give me one moment in time when I’m more than I thought I could be.”
 
A proud Olympic symbol
It wasn’t until my early 70s that I realized most Olympians wore a reminder of their accomplishment; I was urged to purchase one myself. No, not a tattoo, but a beautifully designed emblem of the Olympic rings in gold, with the appropriate gemstone inside each ring. I was also granted the use of OLY* post-nominally by the World Olympians Association in recognition of my participation and continued adherence and promotion of the Olympic values: excellence, respect and friendship. I still live by the Olympic Oath of fair play.
 
Retiring from international competition
I retired from international competition at age 27 for personal and family reasons. I worked as a telephonist [switchboard operator] and enjoyed playing field hockey. Wanting to give back to my sport, I started coaching at the track club.
 
I met a wonderful man, Peter, who changed my name from Tranter to Lewington. We moved around England a bit but settled back in the Midlands in 1992, where I began masters training at the Royal Sutton Club under the tutelage of Joe Caines. He is still the coach at my club.
 
Un-retiring from international competition
The following year I won my first international level masters medal in Buffalo NY. My masters events included the 100, 200, 400, 4 x 100, and 4 x 400 relay. When traveling the world for competitions, Peter and I would frequently stay an extra week for a touring vacation. This provided many great memories and artifacts; I grew to admire elephants.
 
In 2004, I “re-retired” from international competition, and we made our first Villages trip to visit Jean and John Topliss – a journey I continue to make twice a year, even though J & J have sold their Villages home and moved back to the Midlands. After leaving competition, I continued working out with the Royal Sutton Coldfield Athletic Club and occasionally participated in the throwing field events, as well as assisting with running track meets. I have also competed in The Villages Senior Games, mostly shot put and discus. In my 60s I was persuaded to run the 100m, once.
 
[Any injuries during your career?] Of course! In 1972 I suffered an achilles injury at the Munich Olympics which prevented me from competing. As a veteran athlete I have had a few problems with my meniscus. I guess the wear and tear of many years of hard work finally caught up to me, as I had my arthritic hip replaced last year.
 
Now my personal goals are to stay fit, be able to JOG again, and live my best life (with a suntan, of course).
 
Mo Lewington, OLY
*OLY is a post-nominal title granted by the World Olympians Association to registered athletes who have competed in the Olympic Games. Similar to other designations like PhD and MD, it can be used after an Olympian’s name on business cards, resumes, social media, and so on.