The West Footscray woman has served as an official and administrator of various athletics clubs for more than 70 years.

It began in 1936 as a competitor at the Collingwood Women's Amateur Athletics Club, which she represented mainly in the high and long jumps.

Back then, women's and men's clubs were separate; Little Athletics didn't exist, so children under 16 weren't allowed to compete; and everyone

was medically examined before taking part.

"When I started it was more of a fun thing, but you still had to go along and do your training," Mrs Andersson said.

Since then, she has volunteered in a variety of official and administrative roles with organisations including Athletics Victoria and Athletics Australia, both of which bestowed life membership.

Fellow life member Margaret Thompson said Mrs Andersson had adapted to enormous change over that time, including amalgamation of women's and men's clubs and the forming of one regional athletics club from the former Footscray, Sunshine and Werribee clubs in 1995.

"She's always been willing to adapt to changes and move on. I've never thought of Phyllis as an old lady," Ms Thompson said.

Mrs Andersson's ability to adapt has also meant she has been around long enough to officiate the children of athletes she has seen go through the ranks - like Carolyn Wright and her daughter Tamsyn Lewis.

Now in her 80s, Mrs Andersson said she had never had favourite athletes, but the performance of one particular discus thrower stands out.

"I got hit in the head by a world [record-holding] discus thrower, she said.

"That was Australian champion June Roberts in 1962.

"I ended up in hospital, because she fractured my skull!"

Don Blyth, of Athletics Victoria, described Mrs Andersson as a "wonderful lady who had a soft spot for anybody new to the game".

"She's still quite prepared to help the young officials.