A trailblazing athlete who dominated multiple sports, winning Olympic medals and numerous championships in golf and basketball, and breaking gender barriers along the way.
Babe Didrikson Zaharias is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century, with an impressive array of accomplishments in golf, basketball, baseball, and track and field. Her remarkable career was marked by 10 LPGA major championships, two gold medals, and a silver medal at the 1932 Summer Olympics.
Born Mildred Ella Didrikson on June 26, 1911, in Port Arthur, Texas, to Norwegian immigrant parents, Babe was the sixth of seven children. Her family moved to Beaumont, Texas, when she was just four years old. It was during her childhood that she acquired the nickname "Babe" after hitting five home runs in a baseball game, although her mother had been calling her "Bebe" since she was a toddler.
Beyond her athletic prowess, Babe was a talented seamstress, making many of her own clothes, including her golfing outfits. She even won the South Texas State Fair in Beaumont with her sewing skills. Additionally, she was a singer and harmonica player, recording several songs on the Mercury Records label, with her biggest seller being "I Felt a Little Teardrop" with "Detour" on the flip side.
Babe's athletic career began to take shape in high school, where she excelled in basketball and track and field. She eventually dropped out of school to pursue her passion for sports, moving to Dallas to play basketball. Her talent and determination earned her a spot on the 1932 Olympic team, where she won two gold medals and a silver medal in track and field.
In 1938, Babe married George Zaharias, a professional wrestler, in St. Louis, Missouri. She soon turned her attention to professional golf, dominating the sport with her impressive skills. Her marriage and golf career blossomed simultaneously, with George becoming her manager and biggest supporter.
Babe's remarkable achievements paved the way for future generations of female athletes. She was a trailblazer, inspiring countless women to pursue careers in sports. Her impact extends beyond the sporting world, with her unapologetic and fearless attitude serving as a beacon of empowerment for women everywhere.
Babe Didrikson Zaharias's remarkable life serves as a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and passion. Her trailblazing spirit continues to inspire generations, cementing her legacy as one of the most iconic athletes of the 20th century.
Born in 1902
A legendary golfer who founded the Masters Tournament and is celebrated for his incredible career, including 13 major championships. He's also a skilled lawyer who practiced in Atlanta.
Born in 1912
A legendary golfer with a record 82 PGA Tour wins, known for his smooth swing and charismatic personality on the course and in the broadcast booth.
Born in 1912
Legendary golfer and sportscaster who dominated the sport with 68 professional wins, including nine major championships, and inspired generations with his remarkable comeback from a near-fatal car accident.
96 Years Old
A legendary golfer and entrepreneur who dominated the sport in the 1950s and 1960s, and later built a business empire around his iconic brand.
85 Years Old
A legendary golfer and broadcaster, renowned for his record 18 major championships and iconic swing, still widely revered in the golf world today.
90 Years Old
A legendary golfer and charismatic sportscaster, known for winning numerous championships, including nine major titles, and entertaining audiences with his commentary and wit.
69 Years Old
A trailblazing golfer with 48 LPGA victories, including three majors, and a charismatic sportscaster who paved the way for women in golf.
Born in 1923
Co-founder of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), a pioneering golfer who paved the way for women's professional golf. She won 61 tournaments, including 11 majors.
