Mary Carew Armstrong, 88; Won Gold Medal in Track at 1932 Olympics

Mary Carew Armstrong, 88, who won a gold medal at the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles as a member of the record-setting 400-meter relay team, died July 12 in Framingham, Mass.

Born Mary Carew in Medford, Mass., she was raised by an aunt and uncle after her parents died. Her brother Jack noticed her quickness and encouraged her to run. At the age of 15, she won the first of four consecutive national titles in the 40-yard dash.

At the 1932 Olympics, Armstrong ran the first leg of the 400-meter relay and gave her team a lead that led to victory and a world record. The team chose her to accept the gold medal.

She taught kindergarten for 27 years in Massachusetts and married William “Bud” Armstrong in 1938. Together they officiated at New England and national track meets for many years.