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Not Babe Ruth, not Babe the pig– we’re talking about one of the greatest all around athletes who ever lived. Her name was “Babe” Didrickson. Born in Port Arthur, Texas in 1911, Mildred Ella Didrickson showed her prowess as an athlete at an early age. By the age of 19, Babe was playing forward for a women’s basketball team called the Golden Cyclones. They enjoyed a run as national champions from 1930 to 1932.

Babe stole the show at the 1932 Olympics held in Los Angeles. There she won gold medals in the javelin throw, softball throw, and 80-meter hurdles. She also received a silver medal in the high jump and set world records in all events. At that time, women were not invited to participate in the long jump or certain distance races because the male governing body deemed these races to be too stressful on a woman’s physique. Things have since changed, but be certain that were she allowed to participate in more track and field competitions, Babe Didrickson would have broken more records and won more medals.

Not only did she play semi-professional basketball, but she also toured with an all-bearded, all-male softball team, pitched at spring training for the St. Louis Cardinals, and ran on a treadmill in a one-woman stage show. She even challenged the horse that won the Kentucky Derby to a foot race! Needless to say, Babe attracted a lot of attention, and not all of it was positive. Most of her critics were men who felt that her outrageous athletic antics were “unwomanly” and in poor taste. For crying out loud!

Babe had to confront the reality of the times during which she lived. If she wanted to continue to live the life of a superstar, she would have to tone down her sassy style. Thus, she took up a calmer and more genteel sport– golf. Babe soon made her mark on the golf course, winning 13 consecutive amateur tournaments. She turned professional in 1947 and continued to rock the sport, winning 31 tournaments during her career. She was one of the founders of the LPGA, the premier women’s professional golf association, in 1950.

Sadly, in 1953, Babe was diagnosed with cancer. After numerous treatments which took a toll on her health, Babe Didrickson returned to professional golf, only to win the first tournament that she entered. However, she succumbed to the disease and passed away at age 42 in September of 1956. After her death, Babe was given the honor of being a member of the LPGA Hall of Fame. She was also awarded the Bob Jones Award for distinguished sportsmanship in 1957. Babe’s vast talent and courage has provided inspiration for athletes ever since she graced the earth.