Helen Stephens

Helen Herring Stephens (February 3, 1918 – January 17, 1994) was an American athlete, a double Olympic champion in 1936.

Related Topics:
February 3 - 1918 - January 17 - 1994 - American - Athlete - Olympic

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Stephens, nicknamed the Fulton Flash after her birthplace Fulton, Missouri, was a strong athlete in sprint events - she never lost a race in her entire career - but also in weight events like the shot put and discus throw, and she won national titles in both categories of events.

Related Topics:
Fulton, Missouri - Shot put - Discus throw

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Aged only 18, Stephens was sent out to the 1936 Summer Olympics. There, she won the 100 m final, beating reigning champion Stanislawa Walasiewicz. Her time of 11,5 was below the world record, but was not recognised because of a too strong back wind. Next, Stephens anchored the American 4 x 100 m relay team that won the Olympic title after the leading German team dropped its baton.

Related Topics:
1936 Summer Olympics - Stanislawa Walasiewicz - World record - German

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Stephens retired from athletics shortly after the Games and played some professional baseball and softball. From 1938 to 1952, she was the owner and manager of her own semi-professional basketball team.

Related Topics:
Baseball - Softball - 1938 - 1952 - Basketball

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

She died in Saint Louis, aged 75.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~