Shot Putter – Like Her

Lillian Copeland

Lillian Copeland, a trailblazing American track and field athlete, made history as the first American woman to win the discus throw at a modern Olympics. Her exceptional achievements in discus, javelin throwing, and shot put set numerous world records and inspired generations of female athletes. Despite facing discrimination and prejudice as a Jewish woman in the early 20th century, Copeland’s determination and resilience propelled her to break barriers and leave an indelible mark on women’s sports.

ChinaDiscus ThrowerJavelin

Wu Qing

Wu Qing, a Paralympic athlete from China, has left an indelible mark in the field of throwing events. With gold medals in javelin throw and discus throw at the 2008 Summer Paralympics, Wu’s exceptional talent and dedication have made her a source of inspiration for many. Her record-breaking performances and unwavering spirit have solidified her status as a dominant force in her classification, proving that physical disabilities are no obstacle to greatness.

New ZealandArcherDisabled

Eve Rimmer

Eva Marion “Eve” Rimmer, born in 1937 in Whanganui, New Zealand, became one of New Zealand’s greatest paraplegic athletes. Despite facing a life-altering accident at the age of fifteen, Eve’s indomitable spirit led her to become a world-renowned athlete. With an impressive collection of medals and accolades, Eve’s inspiring story continues to empower individuals with disabilities and serves as a reminder of the power of determination. She will be forever remembered as a pioneer in women’s sports, leaving behind an enduring legacy.

BahrainDisabledShot Putter

Fatema Nedham

Fatema Nedham is a Paralympic athlete from Bahrain. She made history by becoming the first female Paralympic athlete from Bahrain to win a medal at the Summer Paralympics. She secured the gold medal in the women’s shot put F53 event at the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with a powerful throw of 4.76 meters. Nedham’s determination and outstanding athleticism have made her an inspiration to aspiring Paralympic athletes and individuals with disabilities worldwide. She has proven that with hard work and perseverance, one can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness.

BulgariaDiscus ThrowerJavelin

Ivanka Koleva

Ivanka Koleva is a Paralympian track and field athlete from Bulgaria known for her remarkable achievements in throwing events. With numerous accolades and a career spanning over two decades, Koleva has become a role model for aspiring athletes. Her determination and talent have not only made her a successful athlete but also a groundbreaking figure in women’s sports history.

United StatesShot PutterSprinter

Helen Stephens

Helen Herring Stephens was an American athlete and double Olympic champion in 1936. Known as the “Fulton Flash,” she was unbeatable in sprint and weight categories. Despite facing tough competition, she emerged victorious in the 100m event, defeating the reigning champion. Stephens also played a crucial role in securing the Olympic title for the American team in the 4x100m relay. After her athletic career, she made history as the owner and manager of her own basketball team. Stephens’ legacy in sports and gender representation is honored in the National Women’s Hall of Fame.

IndiaJavelinShot Putter

Deepa Malik

Deepa Malik, born on September 30, 1970, is a remarkable Indian athlete who has defied all odds to achieve greatness. She embarked on her sporting career at the age of 30, proving that age is merely a number when it comes to pursuing one’s dreams. Deepa holds the distinction of being the first Indian woman to win a medal in the Paralympic Games and has become an inspiration to millions around the world.

TunisiaDiscus ThrowerShot Putter

Raoua Tlili

Raoua Tlili is a renowned Paralympian athlete from Tunisia, known for her exceptional achievements in the field of shot put and discus events. Her journey in international athletics commenced in 2006, and she astounded the world with her world record distances at the 2008 and 2012 Summer Paralympics. Tlili’s unrivaled success extends beyond the Paralympics, as she has also dominated the IPC Athletics World Championships, solidifying her reputation as one of Tunisia’s most esteemed sports figures.

Great BritainShot PutterTrack & Field

Sabrina Fortune

Sabrina Fortune, born on 25 May 1997, is a British Paralympic track and field athlete from Wales who overcame numerous challenges to become a prominent figure in Paralympic sports. Inspired by her brother, Sabrina joined an athletics club at the age of eleven and began participating in local meets. She achieved international success in 2014, winning a gold medal at the Brazilian Paralympic School Games. Sabrina’s dedication and hard work culminated in a bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro. Her achievements continue to inspire and break down barriers in the world of Paralympic sports.

CanadaDiscus ThrowerShot Putter

Joanne Berdan

Joanne Berdan was a prominent Canadian medallist in Paralympic athletics. Born in 1963 in St. Catharines, Ontario, Berdan displayed exceptional athletic talent from a young age. She pursued her passion for sports and went on to achieve remarkable success in the field of Paralympic athletics.

RussiaShot PutterTrack & Field

Galina Zybina

Galina Ivanovna Zybina, a Soviet and Russian athlete and coach, was a dominant force in the field of shot put. She made her mark in the Olympics, securing first, second, seventh, and third place finishes in 1952, 1956, 1960, and 1964, respectively. Zybina’s incredible record-breaking achievements and pioneering spirit have cemented her legacy as one of the greatest athletes in women’s sports history.

RussiaUkraineDiscus Thrower

Tamara Press

Tamara Natanovna Press was a Soviet athlete who dominated the shot put and discus throw in the early 1960s. Born on May 10, 1937, in Kharkov, Tamara faced early adversity when her father tragically died fighting in World War II in 1942. Her mother, determined to provide a better life for her daughters, took Tamara and her sister Irina to Samarkand, where their athletic journey began.

RussiaShot PutterTrack & Field

Anna Andreyeva

Anna Semyonovna Andreyeva was a Soviet track and field athlete who rose to prominence in the shot put event. She achieved world-class status in the 1930s, winning national titles and consistently ranking among the top five shot putters globally. Andreyeva’s career reached new heights in the 1940s, culminating in a shot put world record in 1950. Her success paved the way for future generations of Soviet athletes in the shot put event.