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Sofie Herzog, also known as Dalia, Delia, or Deligath, was a trailblazing Texas physician and the first woman to work as the head surgeon in the American rail industry. Born in Vienna, Austria, Sofie came from a family of doctors and made significant contributions to medicine in Texas, including developing her unique method to remove bullets from gunshot wounds. Her dedication and groundbreaking techniques have left an indelible mark on Texas history.
Ida Freund was a trailblazer in chemistry and a pioneering advocate for women’s education in science. Despite facing adversity, she excelled in her studies and became the first woman to be appointed as a staff lecturer in chemistry in the United Kingdom. Her impact extended beyond academia, as she fought for gender equality and contributed to the field through research. Her indomitable spirit continues to inspire future generations of scientists.
Hilda Geiringer, an Austrian mathematician, displayed exceptional mathematical aptitude from a young age. After completing her undergraduate degree and receiving her Ph.D., she worked as an assistant to Leon Lichtenstein and Richard Edler von Mises. Despite facing challenges as a single mother, Geiringer persisted in her work, shifting her focus to applied mathematics. She was forced to leave Germany due to discriminatory laws but continued her research in Brussels and Istanbul, contributing to the advancement of mathematical understanding.
Anna Kiesenhofer is an Austrian professional cyclist and mathematician. She made history by winning the gold medal in the women’s individual road race at the 2020 Summer Olympics, becoming the first Austrian to win a gold medal at the Summer Olympics since 2004 and the first Austrian to win a cycling Olympic gold medal since 1896. Alongside her athletic career, Kiesenhofer is also a postdoctoral fellow in mathematics at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne.
Anita Wachter-Salzgeber is a former Austrian alpine skier who achieved great success in the late 1980s and 1990s. She won 19 races in the Ski World Cup, with her greatest achievements being the Olympic victory in the combined event in 1988 and winning the overall World Cup classification in the 1992/93 season. Her legacy as one of the greatest alpine skiers of her time continues to inspire generations of athletes.
Sigrid Wolf, born in 1964 in Breitenwang, Austria, was a former alpine skier known for her achievements in downhill and super-G disciplines. Her career began at a young age, and she quickly made her mark in the sport with a third-place finish in her first World Cup race. Throughout her career, she consistently showcased her skills and achieved notable victories, including becoming an Olympic champion and receiving several accolades. Wolf’s legacy in alpine skiing is undeniable, inspiring future athletes to strive for greatness.
Andrea Fischbacher is an Austrian former alpine skier who achieved remarkable success in the fast disciplines of super-G and downhill. She became an Olympic champion and earned multiple accolades in World Cup and European Cup competitions. Fischbacher’s career exemplifies determination, skill, and perseverance, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and inspiring aspiring athletes.
Michaela Dorfmeister, born in Vienna in 1973, achieved remarkable success as an Austrian alpine skier. She won two Olympic gold medals, two world championships, and multiple World Cup titles. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Dorfmeister’s determination and grit made her one of the most influential figures in women’s skiing history.
Trude Jochum-Beiser, born on 2 September 1927 in Lech am Arlberg, was a renowned Austrian alpine skier. During the late 1940s and early 1950s, she emerged as one of the most talented female ski racers in the world. Celebrated for her exceptional skills on the slopes, Jochum-Beiser achieved remarkable success throughout her career, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Anna Veith, formerly known as Anna Fenninger, is an Austrian former alpine ski racer and Olympic gold medalist. Born on June 18, 1989, in Hallein, Veith hails from the village of Adnet in Salzburg. She made her World Cup debut at the tender age of 17 in November 2006. Competing in all five alpine disciplines, Veith’s remarkable career spanned over a decade, leaving an indelible mark on the world of skiing.
Viktoria Savs, born in 1899 in Germany, served bravely in the Austro-Hungarian Army during World War I. Disguised as a man, she displayed remarkable dedication and commitment to her country, becoming one of two known female soldiers on the Austrian front lines. Her bravery and exemplary leadership earned her several prestigious awards, making her a true heroine and a symbol of determination in the face of adversity.
Hedy Lamarr, born Hedwig Eva Maria Kiesler in Vienna, Austria, was an Austro-Hungarian-born American actress and inventor. She gained fame during Hollywood’s Golden Age, captivating audiences with her beauty and talent. However, Lamarr’s contributions extended beyond the film industry. During World War II, she co-developed a radio guidance system for torpedoes, which laid the groundwork for modern wireless communication technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Lamarr’s extraordinary life and achievements have cemented her as an influential figure in both entertainment and innovation.
Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner (born 13 December 1970) is an Austrian mountaineer known for her remarkable accomplishments in high-altitude mountaineering. She has made history by becoming the second woman to climb all fourteen eight-thousanders, the peaks in the world that are above 8,000 meters (26,247 ft) in elevation. What makes her ascent even more extraordinary is that she achieved this feat without the use of supplementary oxygen or high altitude porters, a stunning display of her skill, determination, and resilience.
Beatrix “Trixi” Schuba, born on April 15, 1951, in Vienna, Austria, is a former competitive figure skater who made her mark in the world of ladies’ singles. With an impressive list of achievements, she is considered one of the best compulsory figure skaters in the history of the sport.
Herma Szabo, an Austrian figure skater, made a significant mark in the history of the sport. She achieved her greatest triumph in 1924 by winning the gold medal in ladies’ figure skating at the Winter Olympics. Szabo’s daring choice to wear a skirt cut above the knee helped modernize the sport’s attire. She also became a pioneer in both singles and pairs figure skating, winning numerous world titles. Her impact on the sport and her legacy as a trailblazer continue to inspire generations of skaters.
Cilli Wang, born Zäzilie Wang on February 1, 1909, in Vienna, was an Austrian-born Dutch dancer, performer, and theater maker. She is best known for her work as a dancer and later as a comedienne, making significant contributions to the arts in Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands. Wang’s performances were characterized by a wide range of captivating and absurd characters, showcasing her impeccable mastery of various artistic mediums. Through her innovative and multifaceted approach to performance, she pushed boundaries and inspired generations of artists.
Gertrud Bodenwieser (3 February 1890 – 10 November 1959) was a renowned dancer, choreographer, and dance teacher who played a significant role in the development of modern expressive dance. Born in Vienna, Austria, she revolutionized the world of dance with her innovative choreography, captivating performances, and influential teaching methods.
Katti Lanner, a renowned Viennese ballet dancer, choreographer, and ballet mistress, captivated audiences with her performances in Germany and England. Born into a musical and artistic family, Katti began her dance training at a young age. Throughout her career, she shared the stage with renowned ballet dancers and choreographed her own works. Known for her talent, technique, and innovative spirit, Katti left a lasting impact on the world of ballet. Although no official awards or recognitions have been documented, she is remembered as one of the most celebrated ballet dancers and choreographers of her time.
Petra Kronberger, born in 1969 in St. Johann im Pongau, Salzburg, is a former Austrian alpine skier. She achieved great success in skiing, becoming a two-time Olympic champion in 1992 and a world champion in downhill in 1991. Kronberger’s accomplishments extended beyond these major titles, as she won the overall World Cup three times and was the first alpine ski racer to triumph in all five disciplines. Her exceptional skill, determination, and contribution to women’s skiing have secured her a prominent place in sporting history.
Olga Pall (born 3 December 1947) is a former Austrian alpine skier who left an indelible mark on the sport. Beyond her skiing career, Olga Pall’s impact on women’s history cannot be understated. As a female athlete excelling in a male-dominated sport during the late 1960s, she paved the way for future generations of women alpine skiers and fought against gender barriers.
Annemarie Moser-Pröll, born in 1953, is a former Austrian alpine skier who achieved incredible success in the 1970s. Winning the overall World Cup six times and securing Olympic gold in 1980, she left an indelible mark on the sport. Her determination, skill, and pioneering spirit serve as an inspiration to athletes around the world.
Christl Haas was a legendary Austrian alpine skier who dominated the sport in the 1960s. Born and raised in Kitzbühel, she quickly rose to prominence with her natural talent and passion for skiing. Haas achieved numerous notable victories, including becoming the downhill world champion at the young age of 18. Despite a tragic car accident cutting her career short, her impact on alpine skiing remains unforgettable.
Julia Dujmovits, born in Güssing, Burgenland in 1987, is an Austrian snowboarder who has made a lasting impact on the sport. From a young age, she showed a natural talent for snowboarding, and her career has been filled with triumphs despite facing numerous challenges. Her dedication, resilience, and Olympic success have made her an inspiration to athletes worldwide.
Gertrude Pritzi (15 January 1920 – 21 October 1968) was a female international table tennis player from Austria. Throughout her career, Pritzi achieved remarkable success and left a significant impact on the sport. Her dedication and skill in table tennis made her one of the most influential and celebrated players of her time.
Gizella “Gizi” Farkas was a Hungarian table tennis player who became one of the leading female players in the sport’s history. From 1947 to 1960, she earned numerous medals at the Table Tennis European Championships and the World Table Tennis Championships. Farkas’s exceptional talent and dedication, highlighted by her ten gold medals, solidified her status as one of the most accomplished players in the sport.
Marietta Blau was an Austrian physicist who revolutionized the field of particle physics through her development of photographic nuclear emulsions. Her ingenious technique allowed for accurate imaging and measurement of high-energy nuclear particles, leading to significant advancements in scientific understanding. Despite facing challenges as a displaced scientist during World War II, Blau’s determination and pioneering work continue to inspire female scientists today.
Lise Meitner, born in 1878 in Vienna, Austria, was a renowned physicist who made significant contributions to the fields of radioactivity and nuclear physics. She is best known for her role in the discovery of the element protactinium and her groundbreaking work on nuclear fission. Despite facing discrimination and persecution as a Jewish woman in Nazi Germany, Meitner’s dedication to scientific pursuits and her resilience continue to inspire generations of aspiring scientists.
Auguste Fickert (1855-1910) was a pioneering feminist and social reformer from Austria. Known for her dedication to education and women’s rights, she fought for universal suffrage and better treatment of women civil servants and prostitutes. Despite facing criticism and opposition, Fickert remained steadfast in her beliefs and left an indelible mark on Austrian society.
Ellen Müller-Preis, also known as Ellen Preis, was a German-born Austrian Olympic-champion foil fencer. Her exceptional talent and dedication quickly propelled her to success in the world of fencing. She triumphed over her competitor, Heather “Judy” Guinness of England, in an exhilarating display of skill and determination to clinch the gold medal in the individual women’s foil competition at the 1932 Summer Olympics. Preis continued to inspire others with her resilience and passion for fencing until her passing in 2007, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and breaking barriers in the world of sports.
Archduchess Maria Anna of Austria, despite facing physical disabilities, demonstrated remarkable intelligence and played significant roles in state events throughout her life. As the abbess of the Theresian Institution of Noble Ladies in Prague and later in Klagenfurt, she dedicated herself to education and the well-being of the noble ladies under her care. Her perseverance, resilience, and contributions to science and art make her an inspiring figure in women’s history.
Gerda Winklbauer, born in 1955 in Stockerau, was a highly successful judoka in the late 1970s and early 1980s. With multiple European championship titles and a historic victory at the inaugural Women’s World Championships in 1980, Gerda’s impact on the sport is undeniable. Her exceptional skill and technique, as well as her commitment to excellence, have left a lasting legacy in the world of judo.
Anna Gasser, an Austrian snowboarder, has become a trailblazer in slopestyle and big air competitions. With remarkable achievements and impressive skills, she has solidified her status as one of the most talented and influential athletes of her generation. From winning gold at the Snowboard World Championships to becoming the first woman to land a cab triple underflip, Gasser has left an indelible mark on the sport of snowboarding.