Born: November 9, 1923 (Albany, Georgia)
Biography:
Alice Marie Coachman Davis was an American athlete who specialized in high jump and became the first black woman to win an Olympic gold medal. Born on November 9, 1923, in Albany, Georgia, Coachman overcame numerous obstacles to achieve greatness in the world of sports.
Growing up in a racially segregated society, Coachman faced discrimination from an early age. She was unable to access athletic training facilities or participate in organized sports due to the color of her skin. Moreover, being a female athlete during a time of widespread opposition to women in sports added another layer of challenge for Coachman. Despite these barriers, she exhibited a remarkable determination to pursue her passion for athletics.
Coachman trained using whatever resources were available to her. She would run shoeless along the dirt roads near her home and use homemade equipment to practice her jumping. Her talent and potential did not go unnoticed, and she received encouragement from her year 5 teacher, Cora Bailey, and her aunt, Carrie Spry, against the reservations of her parents.
In 1938, Coachman enrolled at Madison High School where she joined the track team and began working with her coach, Harry E. Lash, to develop her skills as an athlete. Just a year later, her talent drew the attention of the Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama. At the age of 16, Coachman joined the Tuskegee Preparatory School on a scholarship.
The scholarship came with the requirement for Coachman to work while studying and training. She took on various tasks, including cleaning and maintaining sports facilities and mending uniforms. Despite the challenges, Coachman remained focused on her goals.
In 1946, Coachman graduated from the Tuskegee Institute with a degree in dressmaking. The following year, she continued her studies at Albany State College, where she earned a B.S. in Home Economics with a minor in science in 1949. She then embarked on a career as a teacher and track-and-field instructor.
Coachman’s athletic career was marked by numerous achievements. Prior to her time at the Tuskegee Preparatory School, she competed in the Amateur Athletic Union’s (AAU) Women’s National Championships, breaking both college and national high jump records while competing barefoot. Her jumping style was a unique combination of straight jumping and western roll techniques.
Dominating the AAU outdoor high jump championship from 1939 through 1948, Coachman won ten national championships in a row. In addition to her high jump accomplishments, she also secured national championships in the 50-meter dash, the 100-meter dash, and the 400-meter relay team while representing the Tuskegee Institute. Furthermore, Coachman achieved three conference championships while playing guard for the Tuskegee women’s basketball team.
Despite being in her prime, Coachman missed out on competing in the 1940 and 1944 Olympic Games due to their cancellation because of World War II. However, her athletic prowess and exceptional skills were widely recognized by sportswriters, who regarded her as one of the greatest female athletes of the time.
Alice Coachman’s legacy extends far beyond her remarkable accomplishments on the field. As the first black woman to win an Olympic gold medal, she shattered barriers and inspired future generations of athletes. Her dedication, resilience, and unwavering spirit continue to serve as an inspiration to women in sports, showcasing the power of determination and the ability to overcome adversity.
Awards:
– Olympic gold medal in high jump (1948)
– Ten-time national champion in high jump (AAU)
– National champion in the 50-meter dash, 100-meter dash, and 400-meter relay (AAU)
– Three conference championships in basketball (Tuskegee Institute)