H I S T O R Y O F F A I R F I E L D C A N O E C L U B
Three Fairfield members receive Australian Sports Medals
By Neil Grierson
The Australian Sports Medal is awarded to both current and former sports participants to
recognise the significant contribution they have made toward their sport.
The Fairfield Canoe Club is fortunate to have three outstanding members who were awarded
this medal in 2000.
Zoli Szigeti
Zoli was the World Champion in K4 in 1954 and in 1955, with Vagyoczky, was named best K2 pair in the
world.
He was the team manager for the 1968 Mexico Olympics and again for the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Zoli was
a hard working team selector for many years for overseas teams particularly fighing prejudice over
the inclusion of women in teams.
Zoli has been coaching at the Fairfield Canoe Club since 1956. He has coached Canadian and kayak
paddlers for almost every Olympics between 1956 to 1980. A number of these competitors gained International
and Olympic selection.
FCC is a great love of Zoli’s and his contribution to the club and canoeing in Victoria is immense.
He has coached from beginners to elite paddlers which helps with recruitment of new members and the success
of the club over many years.
Zoli is much loved and respected in the sport and at Fairfield Canoe Club where he is also a Life Member.
Margaret Buck
Margaret competed in and was a finalist in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. She also competed in several World
and International regattas.
The holder of 30 Australian sprint canoeing titles, Margaret has also won the Murray canoe Marathon
twice on handicap. Margaret currently holds six records for the full distance Murray Marathon including
the women's TK1 Open, Over 40 and Over 50 classes.
She is an active paddler, competitor and World Masters Champion.
Margaret was President of the Victorian Canoe Association for five years (the maximum term) and is also
a past V.C.A. Secretary and Life Member of the organisation.
As V.C.A. President, she moved the organisation forward reducing pecuniary interest and achieving
positive financial independence for the V.C.A. Margaret also presided over a restructure of coaching
and development at the V.C.A.
Margaret was also Fairfield Canoe Club President from 1990 to 2000. During this period, membership
increased from 50 to 180 with a corresponding increase in income and active club reputation.
Margaret is a top competitor who has worked tirelessly in her support of the sport of canoeing.
Jonathon Mayne
Jon was the Fairfield Canoe Club President during the 70’s, a past Treasurer of the V.C.A. and
Chairman of the V.C.A. Race Committee which in those days managed marathon and sprint racing in Victoria.
Jon is a Life Member of the Red Cross Murray Marathon Committee through his contributions with
integrating the Murray Marathon with the sport of canoeing and has had a major influence on the Murray’s
development while being ably assisted by his wife Jenny. He was Murray Marathon starter for 20 years
and Chairman for 4 years.
Jon is currently the Deputy Chief Official of Sprint racing and was a TV commentator for the Los Angeles
Olympics and boatmaster for the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
As a competitor he holds 36 Australian titles spanning 24 years and 67 state titles spanning 42 years from
1957 - 1999.
Jon was the manager of the first Australian marathon team in 1981, holds 3 gold and 2 silver Murray
Marathon medals and is also a top Masters Games competitor.
Jon characterises the long contribution and participation of people passionate about the sport of canoeing.
Fairfield Canoe Club is proud of these three members and congratulates them in their public recognition
as awardees of the Australian Sports Medal.
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