The Unstoppable Athlete Who Flew Past History

Fanny Blankers-Koen's

Michael Webster

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Paperback

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English

Michael Webster
27 October 2025

Biography: general; Biography: sport; Gender studies: women

THE FLYING HOUSEWIFE: Fanny Blankers-Koen and the Race to Redefine Women's Sports

In 1948, the world was rebuilding. But at the London Olympics, one woman didn't just compete-she exploded the limits of what a woman could be.

Francina ""Fanny"" Blankers-Koen, a thirty-year-old Dutch mother of two, arrived in post-war London carrying the weight of a nation and facing a chorus of critics who argued she was too old, too domestic, and biologically unfit for elite sport.

What followed was an unprecedented performance: four gold medals in the 100m, 200m, 80m hurdles, and the relay-a feat unmatched in its versatility and revolutionary in its impact.

This is the definitive, comprehensive biography of the ""Flying Housewife."" It traces her life from her disciplined farm roots and secret wartime training to her unparalleled run of twelve world records. It reveals the strategic partnership with her coach, husband, and manager, Jan Blankers, and analyzes how her triumph became the ultimate feminist statement, shattering entrenched prejudice and laying the foundation for modern women's athletics. Approx.168 pages, 33000 word count

By: Michael Webster
Imprint: Michael Webster
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 140mm, Spine: 10mm
Weight: 200g
ISBN: 9798232218553
Pages: 168
Publication Date: 27 October 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Born and raised in a small town on the east coast of Scotland, the author brings a unique and refreshing voice to his writing. A late-in-life diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome illuminated his lifelong journey, giving him a deeper understanding of the distinct way he sees the world. Describing himself as an optimist on a mission to entertain and inform, he aims to take the reader's imagination to its limits and deliver a truly unforgettable experience.