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The 15 biggest moments for women in the Summer Olympics

Since 1900, when women first began competing in the Olympic Games, there have been many unforgettable moments. 

11. An athlete’s athlete

AP Photo
Babe Didrikson, right, clears the first hurdle on her way winning the first heat of the 80-meter hurdles in 11.8 seconds, breaking the Olympic record of 12.2 second, in 1932.

  • By Laura Edwins Contributor

Babe Didrikson Zaharias is known as one of the most accomplished US athletes of all time, racking up achievements in basketball and golf, and winning three Olympic medals in track and field.

Didrikson took home two gold medals at the 1932 Los Angeles Games, one for the 80-meter hurdles, and one for her javelin throw. She also won a silver medal for her high jump.

In 1934 she began her golf career, and was one of the founding members of the LPGA. Overall, she won 31 LPGA titles, including 10 majors (and three US Opens).

Didrikson began playing sports as a young girl in Texas, starting with sandlot softball and then playing basketball in high school, where she was an All-American player. She was also a diver, roller-skater, and bowler.

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Mark Sappenfield
Editor

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