Mildred "Babe" Didrickson was not simply one the best athletes of the 1930's. she was one the greatest of all-time. She first made a name for herself during Olympic Trials. Didrikson entered as a one women team and finished first, the University of Illinois 22 member team finished second. Babe won 6 of the 8 events she competed in, and set world records in two. In the Olympics she was restricted to just three events, 80 meter hurdles, Javelin and high jump. She took two golds and a silver. After the 1932 games, she competed in exhibitions of several sports including pitching a scoreless inning against the Athletics. In the 1940's and 50's she became the best women's golfer in the world.
How did this monster of sports become a super athlete? no one knows, but how would she stack up today?
The idea of being the best athlete among a field of sports is mind boggling. It makes it even more amazing considering that women were virtually barred from college athletics until Title IX was enacted.
ReplyDeleteWow I can not believe she could have been so dominate at so many different sports. I am an athlete and could not imagine having to devote your time to so many sports, I feel like my sport takes all my time I couldn't imagine having to train for so many!
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