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Back to Athlete Bios
Athlete Bio

Stella Walsh

Basic Information

Status: Hall of Fame Gender: Female Date of Birth: 4/3/1911

Athletics Information

Event: Outdoor Track & Field Agent: N/A

Residences

Hometown: Wierzchowina, POL

Although a U.S. resident, Stella Walsh competed for Poland in the 1932 and 1936 Olympic games, winning the 100 meters in 1932 and taking second to Hall of Famer Helen Stephens in that event in 1936. Born Stanislawa Walasiewiczowna, she had a long track career, winning her first AAU title in 1930 and the last one 24 years later. She set 20 world records and won 41 AAU titles in events from the sprints to the long jump and discus throw. Of her 41 AAU championships, 27 of them came outdoors, including 11 each in the 220-yard dash and long jump. She also won 16 national titles in Poland. Her international successes included victories in the 60m, 100m and 200m at the 1930 Women's World Games and wins in the 100m and 200m at the 1938 European Championships. Walsh became a U.S. citizen in 1947. She married and lived in Cleveland until 1980 when she died from gunshot wounds. An autopsy revealed that Walsh had male sex organs.

Records Held

World Record: 60 m - 7.30
World Record: 100 m - 11.60 (August 1, 1937 - )
World Record: 200 m - 23.60 (August 4, 1935 - )
World Record: 220 yd. - 24.30

Championships

1932 Olympics: Discus Throw (6th)
1932 Olympics: 100 m (1st)
1936 Olympics: 100 m (2nd)
1938 European Championships: 100 m (1st)
1938 Europen Championships: 200 m (1st)

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