The Australian sprinting legend Betty Cuthbert has died aged 79.

Cuthbert was a four-time Olympic gold medallist, winning three at the 1956 Melbourne games in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay events.

She also won gold in the 400m eight years later at the Tokyo Olympics.

Cuthbert was Australia’s first inductee into the IAAF Hall of Fame in the inaugural year in 2012, along with Jesse Owens, Carl Lewis and others.

Her lunge at the line in the 100m at the Melbourne Olympics is captured in bronze outside the Melbourne Cricket Ground, scene of her 1956 track and field glory.

She failed to defend the titles at the 1960 Games in Rome owing to injury. But she returned to the Olympics four years later after a two-year break from the sport, winning a fourth gold medal and becoming the first athlete in the world to do so in four different events.

Athletics Australia, where Cuthbert is also a Hall of Fame member, confirmed her death on Monday. “Athletics Australia is saddened to confirm the passing of Olympic legend Betty Cuthbert, Our thoughts with her family & friends,” it said on Twitter.

The Sport Australia Hall of Fame, of which Cuthbert is a member, also offered condolences. “Betty was a true inspiration and role model to all Australians,” said its chairman, John Bertrand. “Her feats on the track brought together Australians as one. She loved the country and we loved her.”

The athlete was born in Sydney in 1938, a twin to sister Marie. Cuthbert, who learned she had multiple sclerosis in 1969, was part of the torch relay at the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

Australian Olympic Committee president, John Coates, paid tribute to Cuthbert saying “Betty was the Golden Girl of the track and a national heroine. It’s very sad to lose such a great champion.”

“On the track in 1956 in Melbourne she joined a special band of athletes who started what we call the ‘golden era’ in Australian sport, Betty was a member of a unique band of athletes who inspired thousands of Australians,” he said.

Marlene Mathews finished in third behind Cuthbert in both the 100m and 200m events in 1956 and said she had never met anyone with such great faith and determination.

“I once as asked Betty how she would like to be remembered and she said ‘I never want to be forgotten.’ Her triumphs on the athletic track will make sure she will always be remembered as the ‘Golden Girl’ of 1956 and the wonderful comeback to win the 400m in Tokyo in 1964,” Mathews said.

Cathy Freeman said it was a very sad day.

“Betty is an inspiration and her story will continue to inspire Australian athletes for generations to come. I’m so happy I got to meet such a tremendous and gracious role model, and Olympic Champion,” she said.

In 2004 Ian Thorpe became the only Australian to now have more gold medals than Cuthbert with five.

Australia’s sporting community and politicians paid tribute.

Athletics Australia is saddened to confirm the passing of Olympic legend Betty Cuthbert, Our thoughts with her family & friends. #RIP pic.twitter.com/l4onq19Yke — Athletics Australia (@AthsAust) August 6, 2017

Thank you for the inspirational memories, Betty Cuthbert. Rest in peace. — Cathy Freeman (@CathyFreeman) August 6, 2017

RIP Betty Cuthbert • a pioneer for Aussie female sprinters, a legend of the sport ❤️ my thoughts are with your family & friends at this time pic.twitter.com/e1fzuVxRRW — Melissa Breen (@Melissa_Breen) August 6, 2017

Rest in peace Betty Cuthbert - an inspiration and a champion on and off the track. — Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) August 6, 2017