Avis McIntosh

Avis Helen Fletcher (formerly McIntosh, née Brain; 19 May 1938 – 6 April 2025) was a New Zealand hurdler and sprinter.

Biography Brain joined Lynndale Amateur Athletic and Harrier Club in the children's division in the 12- to 13-year-old age group. She also ran for Glen Eden, Waitemata and Owairaka Athletic Club. At Avondale College in 1953, she won the 100 yards senior girls when she was 14. From 1954 to 1956 Brain won the Auckland Championship two-and-a-half-mile cross country and the Hamilton road race.

After winning her first New Zealand title in 1958, and not being selected for Cardiff's British Empire and Commonwealth Games, McIntosh was chosen to represent New Zealand from 1959 to 1965. In 1962, McIntosh was selected for the 7th British Empire and Commonwealth Games at Perth. She competed in the 80 m hurdles and relay. McIntosh was first in the 80 m hurdles heat, beating the world record holder in 10.8 sec, the new Games record. At the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games she won the bronze medal in the women's 80 m hurdles. She also won a bronze medal as part of the women's 4 x 110 yards relay team. Her teammates in the relay were Nola Bond, Molly Cowan and Doreen Porter. An interesting tale is that Murray Halberg lost her medal in the toilets and had to be told to go back and find it.

On 18 March 1964 at the Lovelock track in Auckland, McIntosh won the 80 m hurdles in 10.7 sec. It was the fastest time ever by a New Zealand women's athlete.

At the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, McIntosh was third in the 80 m hurdles heat in 10.8 sec.

An all-round athlete, her skills ranged from hurdling, running, jumping, cross-country and pentathlon. She won 24 Auckland titles