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.