A collection of memorabilia belonging to Australia's most prolific female Olympic medallist will probably go to overseas buyers, says an auctioneer.
The 121-item collection owned by track athlete Shirley Strickland, now Shirley de la Hunty, is expected to fetch about $US200,000 ($500,125) when it goes to auction today.
De la Hunty, aged 75, announced the sale in February, saying the money would go to preserving old-growth forests and educating her 11 grandchildren.
As well as three Olympic gold medals, the Strickland collection includes one silver and three bronze medals from the 1948, 1952 and 1956 Olympic Games, and nine world championship trophies.
The 1956 gold medal Strickland won defending her 80m hurdles title is expected to attract the most interest, and could sell for up to $US25,000.
Also being sold are team blazers, congratulatory letters and photographs spanning 60 years.
Athletics: Track glories go up for sale
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