Babe Didrikson Zaharias
Versatile American athlete, celebrated for dominance in golf, basketball, and track.
Chronology: 1911-06-26 – 1956-09-27
Origins & Early Life
Mildred Ella "Babe" Didrikson Zaharias (; née Didrikson; June 26, 1911 – September 27, 1956) was an American athlete who excelled in golf, basketball, baseball, and track and field. She won two gold medals and a silver in track and field at the 1932 Summer Olympics before turning to professional golf and winning 10 LPGA major championships. == Biography == Mildred Ella Didrikson was born on June 26, 1911, the sixth of seven children, in the coastal city of Port Arthur, Texas. Her mother Hannah and her father Ole Didriksen were immigrants from Norway.
Pivotal Works & Achievements
Although her three eldest siblings were born in Norway, Babe and her three other siblings were born in Port Arthur. She later changed the spelling of her surname from Didriksen to Didrikson. She moved with her family to 850 Doucette in Beaumont, Texas, at age 4. She claimed to have acquired the nickname "Babe" (after Babe Ruth) upon hitting five home runs in a childhood baseball game, but her Norwegian mother had called her "Bebe" from the time she was a toddler. Although best known for her athletic gifts, Didrikson had many talents.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
She also competed in sewing. An excellent seamstress, she made many of her clothes, including her golfing...
Source: Wikipedia