Stanislawa Walasiewicz Polish track and field athlete, sprinter Date of Birth: 03.04.1911 Country: Poland

1. Early Years and Immigration
2. Athletic Career in Poland
3. 1932 Olympics and Polish Citizenship
4. 1936 Olympics and Gender Controversy
5. Later Career and Retirement
6. Return to the United States
7. Death and Gender Revelation
8. Legacy and Honors

Early Years and Immigration

Stanisława Walasiewicz, later known as Stella Walsh, was born in the Russian Empire in 1911. At three months old, her family emigrated to the United States, where she adopted the name Stella Walsh. Despite lacking citizenship, she excelled in athletics and achieved notable success in the American sports scene.

Athletic Career in Poland

Walasiewicz's athletic career flourished after she moved to Poland in 1930. She became a member of the Polish national sports team and represented Warsaw clubs "Sokol-Grażyna" and "Warszawianka." She won multiple gold medals at the Pan-Slavic Games and was voted the best Polish athlete of the year several times.

1932 Olympics and Polish Citizenship

Before the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles, the American federation offered Walasiewicz citizenship. However, two days before the swearing-in, she chose to pursue Polish citizenship instead. At the Olympics, she set a world record in the 100-meter semifinals and repeated it in the final, winning the gold medal.

1936 Olympics and Gender Controversy

As a world record holder, Walasiewicz aimed to defend her Olympic title at the 1936 Berlin Games. However, she lost to Helen Stephens in the 100 meters. Controversy arose when Walasiewicz alleged that Stephens was male, forcing the latter to undergo a gender verification test.

Later Career and Retirement

Despite the gender controversy, Walasiewicz continued her athletic career. She won multiple medals at the European Championships and International Women's Games. She set numerous Polish and world records, including a European record in the 100-yard dash that stood until 2006.

Return to the United States

After the war, Walasiewicz returned to the United States in 1946. She became an American citizen and married boxer Harry Neil Olson, although their marriage was short-lived. She remained involved in athletics and used the double surname Walsh-Olson.

Death and Gender Revelation

Walasiewicz was killed during a robbery in Cleveland in 1980. An autopsy revealed that she was intersex, with both XX and XY chromosomes. The disclosure of her intersex condition sparked discussions about her medals and records. However, no official decisions have been made regarding this issue.

Legacy and Honors

Stanisława Walasiewicz remains an iconic figure in athletics and a source of both inspiration and controversy. She is remembered for her athletic achievements, but her gender identity and its implications on her legacy continue to be debated.