Born: 1918 (Fulton, Missouri)
Died: 1994 (St. Louis, Missouri)
Biography:
Helen Herring Stephens was an American athlete and a double Olympic champion in 1936. Born on February 3, 1918, in Fulton, Missouri, she was nicknamed the Fulton Flash. Stephens was known for her incredible speed in sprint events and her strong performance in weight events such as the shot put and discus throw.
From the very beginning of her career, Stephens displayed exceptional talent and determination. She never lost a race throughout her entire career and won national titles in both sprint and weight categories. At the age of 18, she made her mark on the international stage by participating in the 1936 Summer Olympics.
During the Olympics, Stephens faced tough competition, particularly in the 100m event. She went head-to-head with Stanisława Walasiewicz, also known as Stella Walsh, the reigning champion and world record holder. In a stunning upset, Stephens emerged victorious, crossing the finish line in just 11.5 seconds. Her time was below the world record, but it was not recognized due to a strong tailwind during the race.
Stephens didn’t stop at the 100m victory. She also played a vital role in the American 4x100m relay team, serving as the anchor leg. In a dramatic turn of events, the leading German team dropped its baton, handing the victory to the American team, with Stephens securing the Olympic title.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Stephens’ Olympic experience was her encounter with Adolf Hitler. Olympic historian David Wallechinsky recounts Stephens’ experience, stating, He comes in and gives me the Nazi salute. I gave him a good, old-fashioned Missouri handshake. Hitler proceeded to make inappropriate comments and physically harass Stephens, praising her as a true Aryan type and suggesting she run for Germany. Unfazed by his advances, Stephens firmly rejected his invitation to spend the weekend in Berchtesgaden.
Following her success at the Olympics, Stephens decided to retire from athletics and pursued a career in professional baseball and softball. She attended William Woods University, Fulton High School, and Middle River School in Fulton. In addition to her athletic achievements, Stephens made history when she became the owner and manager of her own semi-professional basketball team from 1938 to 1952. She was the first woman to take on such a role.
After retiring from sports, Stephens found employment in the Research Division of the U.S. Aeronautical Chart and Information Service in St. Louis, Missouri. Throughout her life, Stephens had a devoted partner in Mabel O. Robbe, a dietician at Francis Shimer College.
Stephens’ contributions to sports and gender representation were recognized when she was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1993. She passed away on January 17, 1994, in St. Louis at the age of 75, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of athletics.
Awards:
– Olympic Gold Medal: 100m event (1936)
– Olympic Gold Medal: 4x100m relay event (1936)
– Inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame (1993)