Hélène de Pourtalès

Hélène de Pourtalès: The First One

Tuesday, May 22, 1900: The First Female Olympic Champion Has Been Officially Crowned

Hélène de Pourtalès of Switzerland made history today in the 1-2 ton Sailing event, becoming the first female to compete in the Olympics, as well as the first ever female Olympic Champion. The 32-year-old was one of three crewmembers aboard the yacht Lérina, alongside her husband, Hermann de Pourtalès and their nephew. The first of two regattas began on the River Seine in Meulan, and the 19-kilometer course proved technically challenging. The Lerina persisted and crossed with a winning time of 2:15.32. Hélène de Pourtalès earned the title of ‘the fastest yachting lady’. Her love for sailing traces back to 1887, where Helene remembers eagerly watching the America’s Cup regatta. Despite the backlash women have received for participating in the Olympics, Hélène de Pourtalès rose above this and accomplished the pinnacle of an athlete’s career, an Olympic Gold Medal. Her impact leaves a legacy for future generations of female Olympians.

Charlotte Cooper

Charlotte Cooper: The Golden Racquet

Wednesday, July 11, 1900: Deaf Tennis Star Takes the Gold in Women’s Singles Event

Charlotte Cooper of Great Britain is Olympic Champion in the Women’s Singles Tennis event, crowning her the first individual female Olympic Champion in history. With her offensive style and being one of the few female tennis players to serve overhead, Cooper defeated French Champion Helene Provost 6-1 and 6-4. No stranger to winning, the 29-year-old also won three Wimbledon titles prior to the Paris 1900 Olympic Games. Her success on the court is nothing short of astounding, as she became completely deaf by the age of 26. Considering that the sound of the ball coming off your opponent’s racquet is integral in recognizing pace, Cooper has proven above and beyond just how dominating she is. This means that not only is she the first individual female Olympic Champion, but she is also the first person with a disability to be crowned Olympic Champion. Charlotte Cooper is a trailblazer in women’s sport, breaking barriers, persevering setbacks, and embodying the Olympic Spirit.

Margaret Abbott

Margaret Abbott: The Unknowing Champion

Thursday, October 3, 1900: Women’s Golfing Duo Wow the Crowds as Daughter Becomes Olympic Champion

Margaret Abbott of the United States of America has become Olympic Champion in Golf, shooting a 47 on the 9-hole course in Compiègne. She attracted a lot of attention on the course, with her classy backswing and fierce competitive spirit. A total of ten women participated – five from the United States, and five from France. One of these women is in fact Margaret Abbott’s mother, Mary Abbott, who finished seventh in the event. This will go down in history as the first mother-daughter duo participating in an Olympic event at the same time. Thanks to her mother, Margaret Abbott found her passion for golf at the Chicago Golf Club, and by 1899, she had a two handicap. Now, she is crowned Olympic Champion. Margaret Abbott is an inspiring role model for all future female athletes, and the epitome of Olympism.

Author's note: I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to Dr. Paula Welch of the University of Florida, who spent ten years (1973-1983) uncovering the lost story of Margaret Abbott. If it wasn’t for Dr. Welch’s hard work and determination in learning about the unknowing Olympic Champion, Margaret Abbott would never be etched in the history books as one of the first female Olympic Champions. Unfortunately, Abbott never knew she was an Olympic Champion before her death in 1955. However, her legacy lives on thanks to Dr. Paula Welch.