Born: 1918 (Lage Vuursche, Netherlands)
Died: 2004
Biography:
Francina Fanny Elsje Blankers-Koen (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈfɑni ˈblɑŋkərs ˈkun]; 26 April 1918 – 25 January 2004) was a Dutch track and field athlete who left an indelible mark on women’s sports. Born in Lage Vuursche, Netherlands, to Arnoldus and Helena Koen, Fanny was the sixth of seven children in a sport-loving family. Her father, a government official and athlete himself, competed in the shot put and discus throws. Blessed with natural athletic ability and standing at a remarkable 1.75 meters (5 feet 9 inches), Fanny quickly emerged as a multi-talented athlete, excelling in various sports including tennis, swimming, gymnastics, ice skating, fencing, and running.
As a teenager, Fanny’s talent for athletics shone through, but she struggled to choose a specific sport to focus on. It was a swimming coach who advised her to pursue running, as the competition in swimming was fierce, particularly with talented swimmers like Rie Mastenbroek capturing attention in the Netherlands. With her coach’s guidance, she made her first appearance in athletics in 1935 at the age of 17.
Although her initial foray into the sport was met with disappointment, Fanny’s determination and drive pushed her to improve. In her third race, she established a national record in the 800m, solidifying her position in the Dutch track and field team. However, at the time, the 800m event was considered too physically demanding for female athletes, leading to its removal from the Olympic program after 1928.
Undeterred by the limitations placed on women’s track events, Fanny’s coach and future husband, Jan Blankers, a former Olympic triple-jumper, encouraged her to participate in the trials for the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Only 18 years old at the time, Fanny defied expectations and secured a spot on the Dutch team, competing in the high jump and the 4x100m relay.
World War II interrupted international sporting events, halting Fanny’s rise to prominence. Nevertheless, during this period, she continued to set several world records in an array of events, including the long jump, high jump, sprints, and hurdles. As a testament to her exceptional abilities, Fanny dominated both the European and national championships, amassing a staggering five European titles and 58 Dutch championships.
It was in the post-World War II era that Fanny achieved her most remarkable feat, making history at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London. Competing as a 30-year-old mother of two, she defied societal expectations and clinched an unprecedented four gold medals. Fanny’s victories in the 100m, 200m, 80m hurdles, and 4x100m relay earned her the moniker the Flying Housewife and established her as the most successful athlete of the event. Her outstanding performance not only brought her personal acclaim but also shattered societal stereotypes about age and motherhood in women’s sports.
Beyond her Olympic triumphs, Fanny’s legacy extended far beyond the realm of athletics. In total, she set or tied an astounding 12 world records, with her last record in the pentathlon established in 1951 when she was 33 years old. Recognizing her exceptional achievements, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) honored her in 1999 by naming her the Female Athlete of the Century.
Fanny’s impact extended beyond her competitive years. Following her retirement in 1955, she became the captain of the Dutch female track and field team, contributing to the development and success of future generations of athletes. Fanny’s accomplishments and unwavering dedication paved the way for subsequent women athletes, and she played a vital role in eliminating the belief that age and motherhood were barriers to success in women’s sports.
Fanny Blankers-Koen’s enduring legacy remains a testament to her remarkable athletic prowess, perseverance, and unyielding spirit, making her an inspiring figure and an icon of women’s sports history.
Awards:
– Four gold medals at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London
– Five European titles
– 58 Dutch championships
– Set or tied 12 world records
– Voted Female Athlete of the Century by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) in 1999