Alice Coachman
Alice Coachman (1923–2014) was an American track and field athlete who made history as the first Black woman from any…
Alice Coachman (1923–2014) was an American track and field athlete who made history as the first Black woman from any country to win an Olympic gold medal. She achieved this historic victory in the high jump at the 1948 London Olympics. Beyond her Olympic success, Coachman was also a dominant force in American athletics, winning numerous national titles and breaking barriers for Black athletes, particularly Black women, during a time of racial segregation in the United States.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Childhood: Alice Coachman was born on November 9, 1923, in Albany, Georgia, during the era of racial segregation in the American South. As a young girl, she faced numerous challenges due to the restrictions placed on Black people in the segregated society, including limited access to training facilities and formal education in athletics.
Early Challenges: Growing up in the segregated South, Coachman was denied access to public training facilities, such as tracks and gyms, because of her race. Undeterred, she trained by running barefoot along dirt roads and practicing her jumping skills by using homemade equipment, such as ropes and sticks, in her backyard. Despite the social and economic hurdles, Coachman’s determination and talent were evident from a young age.
Education and Early Training: Coachman’s athletic ability caught the attention of Peter Albritton, a coach at Tuskegee Preparatory School in Alabama, who recognized her potential and recruited her. She later attended Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University), a historically Black university, where she excelled both academically and athletically. She trained under Cleve Abbott, a pioneering Black coach who guided her career during her time at Tuskegee.
Athletic Dominance and National Titles
Dominance in National Competitions: Coachman quickly rose to prominence as a track and field athlete in the United States. She dominated the national high jump scene, winning her first national title at the age of 16. Between 1939 and 1948, she won 10 consecutive national championships in the high jump, an unprecedented feat in American athletics. She was also a versatile athlete, excelling in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, and 4×100 relay.
Breaking Records: Coachman became known for her extraordinary vertical leap and refined technique. In 1941, she set a national high school record for the high jump, and in 1943, she tied the world record in the high jump with a leap of 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 meters), which was remarkable at the time.
World War II and Missed Olympic Opportunities: Alice Coachman’s athletic career could have reached greater heights earlier, but the 1940 and 1944 Olympic Games were canceled due to World War II. Despite missing these opportunities, she remained determined and continued to train, setting her sights on the next available Olympic Games.
1948 London Olympics and Historic Gold Medal
The 1948 London Olympics: After the war, Coachman finally had her chance to compete on the world stage at the 1948 London Olympics, the first Olympics held after World War II. At 24 years old, she was already a seasoned athlete and the favorite in the high jump event.
Gold Medal Performance: On August 7, 1948, Alice Coachman made history by clearing a height of 5 feet 6 1/8 inches (1.68 meters) in the high jump, setting a new Olympic record. This jump secured her the gold medal and made her the first Black woman from any country to win an Olympic gold medal. She was the only American woman to win a gold medal in athletics at the 1948 Olympics.
Recognition and Acclaim: Coachman’s victory was a significant achievement, especially considering the racial and gender barriers she had to overcome. After her win, she was invited to Buckingham Palace, where she received congratulations from King George VI. Her success was widely celebrated in the United States, particularly in the African American community, where she became a symbol of pride and achievement.
Post-Olympic Career and Legacy
Retirement: Following her historic Olympic victory, Coachman retired from competitive athletics at the peak of her career. She had achieved all of her major athletic goals and decided to focus on her personal life and other endeavors.
First African American Female Endorsement: In 1952, Alice Coachman became the first African American woman to receive an endorsement deal from a major company, Coca-Cola, appearing alongside fellow Olympic medalist Jesse Owens in advertisements. This was groundbreaking at a time when Black athletes were rarely given such opportunities, even after achieving success on the international stage.
Coaching and Mentorship: After retiring, Coachman earned a degree in education and devoted herself to teaching and coaching. She spent her later years working with young athletes, particularly helping to inspire and guide the next generation of Black female athletes.
Awards and Honors
Throughout her life, Alice Coachman received numerous accolades for her contributions to athletics and her pioneering role in breaking racial and gender barriers.
National Track and Field Hall of Fame: In 1975, she was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame, a recognition of her outstanding achievements and lasting impact on the sport.
International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame: In 1985, Coachman was inducted into the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame for her contributions to sports and her trailblazing role for women athletes.
Presidential Recognition: In 1996, during the Atlanta Olympic Games, Coachman was honored as part of the Olympic Torch relay, recognizing her historic achievements as one of the first Black female Olympic champions.
Legacy and Impact
Alice Coachman’s legacy transcends her Olympic victory and extends to her role as a trailblazer for Black athletes, particularly Black women, in the world of sports.
Breaking Racial Barriers: Coachman’s victory came during a time of intense racial segregation and discrimination in the United States. Her success as a Black woman in a predominantly white sport sent a powerful message about the abilities and potential of Black athletes, challenging stereotypes and inspiring future generations.
Inspiration to Future Athletes: Coachman paved the way for future African American female Olympians, including figures like Wilma Rudolph, Florence Griffith-Joyner, and Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Her achievements helped elevate the visibility of Black women in sports and opened doors for greater participation in athletics.
Cultural Icon: In addition to her athletic success, Coachman became a symbol of perseverance and determination, showing that talent and hard work could overcome societal barriers. Her life and career continue to be celebrated as a testament to breaking through the twin barriers of racism and sexism in the sports world.
Death and Commemoration
Alice Coachman passed away on July 14, 2014, at the age of 90, in Albany, Georgia, where she had spent much of her life. Her death was widely mourned, and tributes poured in from across the world of sports and beyond.
Commemoration: Coachman’s hometown of Albany honors her with a street named “Alice Coachman Drive” and other local memorials celebrating her achievements. The Alice Coachman Track and Field Foundation was established to help young athletes, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, pursue their athletic goals.
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