Fanny Blankers-Koen Won Four Golds

At the 1948 London Olympics, 30-year-old Dutch mother of two Fanny Blankers-Koen won four track-and-field gold medals despite critics saying she was too old to compete and should stay home with her children. She took gold in the 100 meters, 200 meters, 80-meter hurdles, and 4 x 100-meter relay, becoming the first woman to win four Olympic titles at a single Games. She returned to Amsterdam as a national hero, riding through the city before an immense crowd and earning the nickname "The Flying Housewife."

Previous Fact Next Fact