As the world gathers to witness the grand spectacle of the Paris Olympics, eyes are drawn to the athletics events, which have historically been a stage for some of the most memorable performances in Olympic history. From the intense sprints of the 100-meter and 200-meter dash to the soaring heights of the high jump and the powerful throws of the shot put and discus, athletics embodies the essence of the Olympic spirit.

Athletes at the Games typically specialize in one discipline, focusing their training and energy on mastering either running, jumping, or throwing events. While legendary figures such as Jesse Owens, Carl Lewis, and Irena Szewińska have excelled in more than one discipline, winning medals across all three areas in a single Olympics remains an extraordinarily rare feat.

Indeed, only one athlete has ever managed to win medals in running, jumping, and throwing events at a single edition of the Olympic Games: Mildred ‘Babe’ Didrikson, a name etched in the annals of sports history.

Born in Port Arthur, Texas, Didrikson’s athletic prowess was evident from an early age. Initially employed to play amateur basketball, she soon demonstrated her versatility by taking up track and field. Competing for the company that had hired her for basketball, she participated in the 1932 AAU Championships, which served as a qualifier for the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. Her dominance at the Championships set the stage for what would become an iconic Olympic performance.

At the 1932 Olympics, Didrikson achieved a milestone that remains unmatched. She began by setting a new Olympic record in the javelin throw, achieving a distance of 43.69 meters, which secured her first gold medal. She then continued her winning streak by clinching another gold in the 80-meter hurdles with a time of 11.7 seconds. In the high jump, she jumped 1.657 meters, earning a silver medal after a controversial decision disqualified her final attempt due to an alleged improper technique. Her record at the Games stood at two gold medals and one silver, covering running, throwing, and jumping events—a unique trifecta in Olympic history.

However, Didrikson’s time at the 1932 Olympics was not without controversy. It was reported that she allegedly threw a bucket of ice water on African-American teammates Tidye Pickett and Louise Stokes, opposing their inclusion in the team—a stark reminder of the complex and often troubling social dynamics of the time.

Following her track and field career, Didrikson turned her attention to a new challenge: golf. Her transition to the sport was as successful as it was remarkable. Starting as an amateur, she quickly rose to prominence and eventually turned professional. Didrikson went on to win 10 major championships in golf, cementing her legacy in yet another sport. Her achievements included winning a major championship after being diagnosed with cancer in 1950, showcasing her resilience and tenacity. She was a founding member of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, and posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2021.

In addition to her golf achievements, Didrikson also dabbled in baseball, pitching in a few Major League exhibition games, further demonstrating her wide-ranging athletic abilities.

Mildred ‘Babe’ Didrikson passed away from cancer in 1956 at the age of 45, leaving behind a legacy that transcends the boundaries of individual sports. Her life and career serve as a testament to the extraordinary capabilities of an athlete who excelled across multiple disciplines, setting a standard that remains a source of inspiration as athletes gear up for the Paris Olympics.

As the starting gun fires and the competitions unfold, the spirit of Didrikson’s remarkable achievements will undoubtedly resonate, reminding us all of the limitless potential that lies within human endeavor.

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