Born: 1859 (Lebanon, Ohio)
Died: 1938 (Norwood, Ohio)
Biography:
Matilda Lida Scott Howell (August 28, 1859, in Lebanon, Ohio – December 20, 1938, in Norwood, Ohio) was an American archer who competed in the early twentieth century. She won three gold medals in Archery at the 1904 Summer Olympics in Missouri in the double national and Columbia rounds and for the US team. Her father, Thomas Scott, is the oldest archer ever to have competed in the Olympics.
Lida Scott was born in 1859 to Thomas Foster Scott and his wife. Growing up in Lebanon, Warren County, Ohio, Lida developed an interest in archery around 1878 after reading articles written by Maurice Thompson. Inspired by Thompson’s words, she began practicing the sport and honing her skills.
In 1881, Lida Scott achieved her first major success when she won the Ohio State Archery Championship. The following year, she defended her title and emerged victorious once again. Lida’s commitment and dedication to archery continued to grow, as did her number of victories.
In the spring of 1883, Lida married Millard C. Howell, and her reign in archery continued to flourish. She claimed her first national championship victory that same year, showcasing her incredible talent and determination. Over the course of her career, Lida would go on to win a total of seventeen national titles, a testament to her skill and perseverance.
Lida Howell’s accomplishments in archery reached new heights when she represented the United States at the 1904 Summer Olympics in St. Louis, Missouri. Competing as part of the Cincinnati Archers team, Lida showcased her exceptional prowess, winning two gold medals in the women’s archery events.
Her first gold medal came in the national round archery event, where she achieved an impressive score of 620. In the Columbia round archery event, Lida secured her second gold medal with a score of 867. Her exceptional performance at the Olympics solidified her place in history as America’s first female gold medalist in archery.
Notably, Lida Scott Howell also made a significant mark in Olympic history by achieving a remarkable feat. At the age of 71 years and 260 days, Lida became the oldest person to compete in an archery event at the Olympics. This record stands to this day, and she remains an inspiration to athletes of all ages.
Lida Scott Howell’s commitment to archery and her outstanding achievements paved the way for future generations of female archers. As an archer, she was ahead of her time, breaking records that remained unbroken for 36 years, setting a standard of excellence that would shape the sport for years to come.
Lida Howell’s impact extended beyond her national and Olympic successes. She played a crucial role in promoting archery as a sport for women, challenging societal expectations and breaking down barriers. Her dedication and passion for the sport inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams, regardless of gender.
Lida Howell’s legacy as a pioneering female athlete and archery champion continues to inspire and influence the field of sports. Her achievements serve as a reminder of the power of determination, resilience, and the barriers that can be shattered when pursuing one’s passion.
Awards:
– Two gold medals in Archery at the 1904 Summer Olympics (National Round Archery and Columbia Round Archery)
– Gold medal as part of the US team in Archery at the 1904 Summer Olympics