As the Paris Olympics approach, with athletics set to take center stage, the spotlight falls on a remarkable feat that has remained unmatched since 1932. Mildred ‘Babe’ Didrikson, a name synonymous with athletic prowess, holds the unique distinction of being the only athlete to win medals in running, jumping, and throwing at a single Olympic Games. Her story is one of unparalleled versatility and dominance, spanning multiple sports and leaving an enduring legacy.
Didrikson’s journey began in Port Arthur, Texas, where her athletic talent was evident from an early age. Initially employed as an amateur basketball player, she soon discovered her passion for track and field. While competing for her employer, she participated in the 1932 AAU Championships, which served as the Olympic trials for Team USA. Her performance was exceptional, securing her a place in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics.
At the Olympics, Didrikson’s brilliance shone brightly. She started by shattering the Olympic record in javelin, securing her first gold medal. Her second gold came in the 80m hurdles, where she clocked a remarkable time of 11.7 seconds. Moving on to the high jump, Didrikson soared to a height of 1.657m before a controversial disqualification for improper technique left her with a silver medal. Despite the disappointment, Didrikson’s Olympic record remained impressive – two gold medals and one silver, encompassing achievements in running, throwing, and jumping.
While her Olympic performance was remarkable, it wasn’t without controversy. Didrikson allegedly engaged in a disrespectful act towards her African-American teammates, Tidye Pickett and Louise Stokes, throwing a bucket of ice water on them, highlighting a negative aspect of her personality.
After her Olympic triumph, Didrikson turned her attention to golf, embarking on a career that rivaled her track and field accomplishments. She transitioned from amateur to professional, achieving natural success once again. Her decorated career included ten major championships, including one after she was diagnosed with cancer in 1950. Didrikson played a pivotal role in the founding of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Her remarkable achievements even earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2021.
Didrikson’s athletic journey also included a brief stint in baseball, where she demonstrated her skills by throwing pitches in exhibition games. Despite her remarkable achievements, Didrikson’s life was cut short by cancer in 1956 at the age of 45. Her legacy, however, remains firmly etched in the annals of sports history. She stands as a testament to the extraordinary abilities of an athlete capable of excelling in multiple disciplines, inspiring generations to come. As the starting gun sounds at the Paris Olympics, the memory of Mildred ‘Babe’ Didrikson, the only athlete to win medals in running, jumping, and throwing at a single Olympics, will undoubtedly resonate among competitors and spectators alike.
