Olympic Games gold medalist. Considered one of the greatest female Olympians of the 20th century, she was a Dutch runner who starred in track and field at the 1948 Olympic Games in London, England, where she won gold medals in the 100 and 200-meter sprints, the 80-meter hurdles, and the 400-meter relay. She joined Jesse Owens and Carl Lewis as one of only three Olympians to win four gold medals in track at the same Olympics. During the course of her career, she set 20 world records. In 1999, the International Amateur Athletic Federation named her the best female athlete of the 20th century, an honor which she initially disbelieved. Her accomplishments in London were made even more remarkable by the fact that she was a 30-year-old mother of two children and had missed the two previous Olympics (1940 and 1944 due to World War II) when she was in her greatest prime.
Olympic Games gold medalist. Considered one of the greatest female Olympians of the 20th century, she was a Dutch runner who starred in track and field at the 1948 Olympic Games in London, England, where she won gold medals in the 100 and 200-meter sprints, the 80-meter hurdles, and the 400-meter relay. She joined Jesse Owens and Carl Lewis as one of only three Olympians to win four gold medals in track at the same Olympics. During the course of her career, she set 20 world records. In 1999, the International Amateur Athletic Federation named her the best female athlete of the 20th century, an honor which she initially disbelieved. Her accomplishments in London were made even more remarkable by the fact that she was a 30-year-old mother of two children and had missed the two previous Olympics (1940 and 1944 due to World War II) when she was in her greatest prime.
Bio by: Loren
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See more Blankers-Koen or Blankers memorials in:
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- Hoofddorp Blankers-Koen or Blankers
- Haarlemmermeer Municipality Blankers-Koen or Blankers
- Noord-Holland Blankers-Koen or Blankers
- Netherlands Blankers-Koen or Blankers
- Find a Grave Blankers-Koen or Blankers
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