Coachman, Alice

Impact on the world

Won 10 consecutive national high jump titles from 1939 to 1948, then became the first Black woman to win an Olympic gold medal, taking the high jump at the 1948 London Olympics after the 1940 and 1944 Games were canceled due to World War II, delaying her only Olympic opportunity until age 25.

Life & background

Coachman won 25 national track and field titles, including 10 consecutive national high jump championships from 1939 to 1948, but her Olympic opportunities were delayed when the 1940 and 1944 Games were canceled due to World War II. She finally competed at the 1948 London Olympics at age 25, winning the high jump and becoming the first Black woman to win an Olympic gold medal in any sport, and later became the first Black woman to endorse an international consumer product, Coca-Cola.

Sources

1. USA Track & Field; TrackGirlz (Black History Month: The Women of Track & Field)