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.