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Akela Jones, born on April 22, 1995, is a Barbadian track and field athlete who has made a significant impact in multiple events. She holds impressive Barbadian records in the women’s heptathlon, pentathlon, long jump, and high jump. Throughout her career, Jones has achieved remarkable success and has become an inspiration to many.
Alice Coachman Davis, the first black woman to win an Olympic gold medal, faced discrimination and barriers throughout her athletic career. Despite these challenges, she remained determined to pursue her passion for sports. Her achievements in high jump and other track events, as well as her resilience and positive spirit, continue to inspire women in sports today.
Lisa Christina Llorens, OAM, was an Australian Paralympic athlete known for her achievements in high jumping, long jumping, and sprinting. Born on January 17, 1978, in Canberra, Llorens faced unique challenges as an athlete with autism but overcame them to become one of Australia’s most outstanding female athletes with an intellectual disability.
Debbie Arden Brill, a Canadian high jump athlete, revolutionized the sport with her unique reverse jumping style known as the Brill Bend. She became the first North American woman to clear 6 feet at the age of 16. Brill’s impressive records and victories on the international stage, including a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, solidified her status as one of the best high jumpers in the world. Her contributions to women’s sports and her enduring legacy continue to inspire athletes globally.
Gretel Bergmann, a German Jewish high jumper, faced numerous challenges and discrimination in her athletic career due to her Jewish origins. Despite being expelled from her club and being pressured to return to Germany by the Nazi government, she showed resilience and continued to excel in her sport. Bergmann’s inspiring story serves as a testament to the strength and determination of women in sports history.
Svetlana Mikhaylovna Radzivil, born on January 17, 1987, in Tashkent, Uzbek SSR, is a renowned Uzbekistani high jumper and one of Asia’s top female high jumpers. With numerous accolades and a personal best jump of 1.97 meters, Radzivil has become a symbol of excellence in her sport. She has also made a positive impact off the field, as shown by her election to the Tashkent City Kengash of People’s Deputies in 2019.
Ruth Beitia Vila is a retired high jumper, politician, and Olympic champion. She broke the Spanish record multiple times and became the first Spanish woman to jump higher than two meters. Beitia won numerous medals at international competitions, including the gold medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. She retired in 2017 due to rheumatoid arthritis.
Sara Simeoni, born in 1953 in Rivoli Veronese, Italy, is a former high jumper who made a significant impact on the sport. Her talent and determination propelled her to become one of the greatest female high jumpers in history. Throughout her career, Simeoni achieved numerous milestones, including winning a gold medal at the 1980 Summer Olympics and setting two world records in the women’s high jump.
Ethel Hannah Catherwood, a Canadian athlete, made history as the world’s first female high jump gold medalist at the 1928 Summer Olympics. She captivated audiences not only with her athletic prowess but also with her beauty, earning the affectionate nickname “Saskatoon Lily.” Despite controversy and challenges in her personal life, Ethel’s achievements continue to inspire and remind us of the trailblazing female athletes of the past.
Rosemarie “Rosi” Ackermann was a German high jumper who made history as the first female to clear 2 meters in the high jump. She won the gold medal at the 1976 Olympics and set numerous world records throughout her career. Ackermann’s impact on women’s history extended beyond athletics, inspiring future female athletes and shattering barriers in the sport.
Blanka Vlašić is a Croatian former high jump athlete who achieved great success in her career. She is a two-time world champion and double Olympic medalist, and her personal best of 2.08 meters ranks her as one of the top female jumpers of all time. Vlašić’s legacy as a trailblazer in women’s high jump is an inspiration to athletes worldwide.
Ulrike Nasse-Meyfarth is a German former high jumper who won the Olympic title twice. She became the youngest Olympic champion ever in women’s high jump in 1972 and then became the oldest ever in 1984.
Thelma Elizabeth Hopkins, born in 1936, is a Northern Irish athlete who left an indelible mark on the world of athletics. She achieved groundbreaking feats in the high jump and long jump, including breaking the world record in the high jump in 1956. Hopkins represented Great Britain in the 1956 Summer Olympics, securing a silver medal, and proudly represented Northern Ireland in the 1954 Commonwealth Games, where she won a gold medal. Beyond her sporting achievements, Hopkins also demonstrated her commitment to social justice and equality.
Ibolya Csák (6 January 1915 – 9 February 2006) was a Hungarian athlete who made a significant impact in the field of high jump during the 1930s. She is best known as the winner of the women’s high jump at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where she displayed remarkable skill and determination.
Anna Vladimirovna Chicherova, a Russian high jumper, has established herself as one of the most successful athletes in her sport. From winning her first major title at the age of 16 to claiming gold medals at prestigious events, Chicherova’s journey is a testament to her exceptional talent, determination, and resilience. Despite facing setbacks, including the revocation of her bronze medal due to a doping test, she continues to inspire aspiring athletes and demonstrate the power of perseverance.
Mariya Aleksandrovna Lasitskene is a Russian athlete who specializes in high jump. She is a three-time world champion and the 2020 Olympic champion. Lasitskene has made her mark in the high jump world, breaking records and consistently proving her talent on the global stage. Despite facing setbacks and a ban on the Russian Track and Field Federation, she has remained resilient and has become an inspiration for young athletes and women worldwide.
Iolanda Balaș (1936-2016) was a Romanian athlete and one of the greatest high jumpers of the twentieth century. She was the first Romanian woman to win an Olympic gold medal and held the world record in the high jump. Balaș’s career was remarkable for her incredible consistency. Between 1957 and 1966, she won an astonishing 154 consecutive competitions and shattered the world record in the high jump 14 times. Her achievements not only pushed the boundaries of what was possible in women’s high jump, but also inspired countless athletes to strive for excellence.