CHARLOTTE COOPER

First female participation

Charlotte Cooper (1900-05-14) by Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesThe Olympic Museum

CHANGE-MAKERS

While individuals may encounter difficulties in life simply because of their gender, skin colour, religion or country of origin, the Games, with the diversity of the athletes who take part, champion the right to be different. Participating at the Games may not change the world, but it can certainly help make a difference.

De l’or en jupon
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CHARLOTTE COOPER (GBR, TENNIS) - 1870-1966

Gold in long skirts

The history of women at the Games began in 1900 in Paris.
Charlotte Cooper was among the 22 pioneering women competing at the Games for the first time.

On the court, hers was anything but a bit part, and she won two gold medals. A double victory which paved the way at a time when women’s sport had to prove itself:

In 1912, Coubertin still regarded women’s Olympic events as “impractical, uninteresting , unaesthetic and improper”.

Charlotte Cooper (1900-05-14) by Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesThe Olympic Museum

SERVICE

Charlotte Cooper (1900-05-14) by IOCThe Olympic Museum

IN OR OUT?

Charlotte Cooper (1900-05-14) by Topical Press Agency/Getty ImagesThe Olympic Museum

PHEW!

Credits: Story

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Useful information about The Olympic Museum in Lausanne www.olympic.org/museum

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