Liese Prokop facts for kids
Liese Prokop (born March 27, 1941 – died December 31, 2006) was an important Austrian athlete and politician. She was born in Vienna, Austria. Before she married Gunnar Prokop, her name was Liese Sykora. They had two sons and one daughter. Liese Prokop won a silver medal in the Pentathlon at the 1968 Summer Olympics. She was also the first woman in Austria to become the Minister for Interior Affairs. This role meant she was in charge of Austria's security, including its police force. She was a member of the ÖVP, which is a political party in Austria.
Contents
Who Was Liese Prokop?
Liese Prokop was born in Vienna, the capital city of Austria. Her birth name was Liese Sykora. She later married Gunnar Prokop and took his last name. Together, they had three children: two sons and one daughter.
Liese Prokop was known for her strong spirit and dedication. She showed this both in her sports career and in her political work. She became a role model for many people in Austria.
A Champion Athlete
Liese Prokop was a very talented athlete. She competed in a sport called the Pentathlon. This event combines five different track and field sports. Athletes have to be good at running, jumping, and throwing.
Her biggest sports achievement was at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. There, she won a silver medal in the Pentathlon. This was a huge accomplishment for her and for Austria. She also competed in the Olympics in 1964 and 1972. Liese Prokop won other medals too, including at the European Athletics Championships and the Universiade. The Universiade is a major sports event for university athletes.
A Leader in Politics
After her successful sports career, Liese Prokop became involved in politics. She was a member of the ÖVP. This is one of the main political parties in Austria.
She made history by becoming the first female Austrian Minister for Interior Affairs. This is a very important job. The Interior Minister is responsible for the country's safety and security. This includes overseeing the police force and making sure laws are followed. Liese Prokop worked hard to keep Austria safe.
Her Legacy and Passing
Liese Prokop died unexpectedly on December 31, 2006. She passed away while being taken to a hospital in St. Pölten. Her death was caused by a torn aorta, which is a major blood vessel near the heart.
Liese Prokop is remembered as a pioneering woman. She achieved great success in both sports and politics. She opened doors for other women in public service in Austria.
See also
In Spanish: Liese Prokop para niños