Margaret Murphy (Paralympian)

Margaret Booth (née Murphy) is an Australian vision impaired Paralympic athletics and goalball competitor.

Margaret Murphy

Personal information
Nationality	Australia
Medal record Athletics Paralympic Games 1984 New York/Stoke Mandeville Women's High Jump B2 1984 New York/Stoke Mandeville Women's Long Jump B2

Personal

Murphy was diagnosed with the genetic eye condition, retinitis pigmentosa, when she was just four-years-old, the same eye condition her mother has.[1] During her high school years her sight began to deteriorate rapidly and she was enrolled into the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children. [1]After learning how to use a whitecane through a program tailored by a Guide Dogs Orientation & Mobility Specialist, she received her first Guide Dog, Matilda in 1989.[1] After finishing school, she undertook a secretarial course at TAFE before working for the Commonwealth Bank for nine years. [1]During her career she has taught people how to use computers. In 2016, has was appointed as a Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Public Relations Speaker.[1]

Sport Career

At the 1984 New York/Stoke Mandeville Paralympics as a classified "B2" athlete in the Women's 100 m, 400 m, Shot Put, Long Jump and High Jump,[2] She won two medals: a silver medal in the Women's High Jump B2 event and a bronze in the Women's Long Jump B2 event.[2] As Margaret Booth, she competed at the 1988 Summer Paralympics in goalball.[3]

References

1. "Margaret appointed PR Speaker". Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. 16 September 2016. Retrieved 10 April 2020.
2. "Margaret Murphy". International Paralympic Committee. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
3. "Margaret Booth". International Paralympic Committee website. Retrieved 10 April 2020.