Babe Didrikson Zaharias

Babe Didrikson Zaharias, born on June 26, 1911, in Port Arthur, Texas, was an American athlete who excelled in golf, basketball, and track and field. She is widely considered as one of the greatest female athletes of all time. Zaharias began her career in track and field before transitioning to professional golf, where she won numerous titles and established multiple records.

Zaharias was known for her exceptional athleticism, versatility, and competitive spirit. She has won numerous awards and holds numerous records in the sports she participated in.

Off the field, Zaharias was also recognized for her philanthropic efforts and influence, significantly contributing to charitable causes and inspiring generations of female athletes worldwide.

Track and Field

• Youth and Early Career: Zaharias excelled in track and field during her high school years. She gained national recognition when she won multiple events at the 1932 AAU Championships.

Basketball

• Early Success: Zaharias played on a women's basketball team that won the AAU Basketball Championship in 1931.

Golf

• Record-breaking Career: Zaharias took up golf in 1935 and quickly demonstrated her prowess in the sport. She won numerous titles, including 10 LPGA major championships, and was a founding member of the LPGA.
  Individual Awards: Zaharias was twice named the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year.

Olympics

• Debut: Zaharias made her Olympic debut in 1932.

Achievements:

• 1932 Summer Olympics: Zaharias won two gold medals and one silver medal in track and field events.

• Position: Zaharias competed in multiple sports, but she is best known for her achievements in golf.
• Skills: Known for her exceptional athleticism, versatility, and competitive spirit. Zaharias was celebrated for her powerful shots and her ability to perform under pressure.

• Family: Zaharias was married to professional wrestler George Zaharias. They had no children.
• Philanthropy: Zaharias was involved in various charitable activities and has donated significant sums to cancer research and other charitable causes.

• Babe Didrikson Zaharias is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for her trailblazing efforts in women's sports. Her impact on sports and her status as an icon extend beyond the playing field, inspiring generations of female athletes around the world.

World Golf Hall of Fame:

• Inducted in 1951

Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year:

• Won the award in 1932, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1950, and 1954

U.S. Women's Open:

• Winner in 1948, 1950, and 1954

Olympic Medals:

• Won two gold medals and one silver medal in the 1932 Summer Olympics

Books

• Van Natta, D. (2014) Wonder Girl: The Magnificent Sporting Life of Babe Didrikson Zaharias. New York: Little, Brown and Company.
• Cayleff, S. E. (1995) Babe: The Life and Legend of Babe Didrikson Zaharias. Urbana: University of Illinois Press.

Websites

• Olympics: Information about Zaharias’s Olympic career and achievements. Available at: https://www.olympic.org
• LPGA: Details about Zaharias’s career in professional golf. Available at: https://www.lpga.com
• World Golf Hall of Fame: Official site with updates on Zaharias’s performance and records in golf. Available at: https://www.worldgolfhalloffame.org

Articles

• ESPN: Babe Didrikson Zaharias: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.espn.com/espnw/athletes-life/article/13060554/babe-didrikson-zaharias
• The Guardian: Babe Didrikson Zaharias’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2012/jun/26/50-stunning-olympic-moments-babe-didrikson

Documentaries

• Babe (1995): Directed by Howard Zieff. This biographical drama provides a detailed look at Zaharias’s life and career.
• ESPN Documentaries: Various documentaries and features on Babe Didrikson Zaharias, covering different aspects of her career. Available at: https://www.espn.com