Not Florence Griffith Joyner, but This American Athlete Brought First Ever Olympics Gold for Homeland in 1928

It all started when her science teacher spotted her hurrying to catch her train. The moment defined her career in sports as her teacher immediately recognized her aptitude. Little did she know that she would be called the “fastest woman on earth” in those times. The American Track and field athlete went on to make a name for herself by becoming the first woman ever to win an Olympic gold medal in the 100-meter race.

A native of Riverdale, days were not easy back then. She used to train with the boys’ team due to a lack of incentives for girls in the town. Close to a century after her historic achievement, a recent social media post brought back the memories of a golden chapter of American Track and Field history. Amidst big names like Florence Griffith Joyner, this one shines brighter than a star.

Betty Robinson Creates Olympic History

Betty Robinson is a name that goes well with the Olympics. Having just turned 16, the American athlete achieved the historic feat of becoming the first woman to win an Olympic gold medal in the 100-meter race in 1928. Remembering the Olympic Prodigy, a source on Twitter has some news to share.

The race, which took place in Amsterdam, was the fourth track meet of Betty’s life. She finished the 100 meters in 12.2 seconds in the year 1928 as opposed to the current women’s 100-meter world mark, which is 10.49 seconds. This 10.49 record was set 60 years later by Florence Griffith Joyner.

Three years after the great Olympic win, Betty suffered serious injuries in a plane crash. Having spent seven weeks in a coma, another two years delayed Betty’s healing journey. But her resilience, grit and hard work post injury would pave the way for another gold.

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Betty Robinson Secures Another Gold

Robinson was a member of the American relay team at the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany, but due to her injuries, she was unable to kneel at the starting line for the 100-meter event. But this did not stop her from doing what she loved the most. Betty represented the homeland in a relay. In a relay race, a group of four racers cover equal predetermined distances in a sprint race while passing a baton-like object to the following runner to carry on the race.

The Germans were about to win the race, as they had already taken the lead. However, history seemed to favor Robinson. She was able to seize the lead when one of the German sprinters dropped the baton. After passing the baton to Helen Stephens, the team secured the victory for America in the then Nazi Germany. The Olympian had never envisaged herself as a representative of any sport, let alone win a gold medal.

It would be no exaggeration to call Betty a Wonder Woman. For she still remains the first woman to win a gold, rise above her wounds, and continue the sport she once loved. Her contribution to the Olympics will always be cherished.

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