Women in World History: Readings from 1500 to present in 1948 the Olympic games resumed in London. Blankers Koen knew that age 30 was considered too old to compete effectively. And in truth she knew that if she made the Olympic team she would be away from her young children though only for a short time and that she would miss them. But with the help of her husband who coaxed her out of her tearful misgivings at leaving her children behind she blazed a trail to victory.
Her first triumph came on August 2, when her powerful body blankers Koen stood five feet ten inches and weighed 145 pounds propelled her down a muddy track to win the 100 meter race in 11.9 seconds. The following day she left her competitors behind to win the 80 meter hurdles in a world record breaking 11. 2 seconds. Next she placed first in the 200 meter race establishing a new Olympic record of 24.3 seconds. Chosen again to be the anchor in the womens relay race team she charged pas the competition to grab the gold for Holland.
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