at the 1978 commonwealth games in edmonton, alberta, canada, wickham won both the 400 m and 800 m freestyle. that same year, she set world records in both events, and won both the 400 m and 800 m freestyle at the 1978 berlin world championships, setting a world 400 m record of 4.06.28, which stood as the championship record until 2007. both world records stood until 1987, long after her retirement.