WONDER GIRL ATHLETE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXL, Issue 20285, 7 December 1935, Page 14 (Supplement)

WONDER GIRL ATHLETE

Report that Miss Mildred (“Babe”) Didrikson is likely to visit Australia during the summer with the American professional golfer, Gene Sarazen, follows on the refusal by the British woman golfer, Miss Joyce Wethered, to appear with Sarazen. Just 21 years of age, Miss Didrikson's athletic, career has eclipsed that of any woman.

Although Miss Didrikson, as a golfer, would not be the attraction that Miss Wethered, ranged as the greatest woman player the game has known, would have provefi, her incomparable versatility would make her a better draw card for most Australian sportsmen and sportswomen. Born in Beaumont, Texas, U.S.A., Miss Didrikson was 16 years of age and attending High School when she moved to Dallas and joined the famous Golden Cyclone basketball team. The “Texas Plash” can sprint and hurdle, put the weight, jump both the high and broad jumps, pole vault, throw the javelin and discus, play excellent basketball and football; can drive a golf ball 250yds. to 260yds., and play consistently in the low eighties; show a more than passing good game at soccer and tennis, do trick diving from a 10 metre board; can swim, bowl play pool and billiards, ride horseback shoot, play polo, fence, and she can wrestle and box.

During her three seasons in track competitions before the 1933 Los Angeles Olympic Games, Miss Didrikson broke every woman’s record in the Olympic list.