Fanny Blankers-Koen

Francina Elsje "Fanny" Blankers-Koen (April 26, 1918 – January 25, 2004) was a Dutch athlete. She is most famous for winning four gold medals at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London. At that time, she was already a mother of two, which was unheard of at a time where female athletes were still frowned upon by many. It earned her the nickname "The Flying Housewife".

Related Topics:
April 26 - 1918 - January 25 - 2004 - Dutch - Athlete - 1948 Summer Olympics - London

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Having started competing in athletics in 1935, she took part in the 1936 Summer Olympics a year later. Although international competition was hampered by World War II, Blankers-Koen set several world records during that period, in events as diverse as the long jump, the high jump, sprint and hurdling events.

Related Topics:
1936 Summer Olympics - World War II - Long jump - High jump - Hurdling

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Apart from her four Olympic titles, she won five European titles, 58 Dutch championships and set or tied 12 world records. She retired from athletics in 1955, after which she became leader of the Dutch female track and field team. In 1999, she was voted "Female Athlete of the Century" by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

Related Topics:
European titles - World record - International Association of Athletics Federations

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