Louise Stokes facts for kids
Stokes in 1931
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| Personal information | |
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| Born | Malden, Massachusetts |
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| Sport | Track and field |
Louise Mae Stokes Fraser (born October 27, 1913 – died March 25, 1978) was an amazing American athlete. She was a pioneer in track and field, a sport that includes running, jumping, and throwing events.
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Early Life and Athletic Beginnings
Louise Mae Stokes was born in Malden, Massachusetts, on October 27, 1913. She was the oldest of six children. Her father, William, was a gardener, and her mother, Mary, worked at home. Louise first showed her athletic talent in junior high. She was a strong player on her basketball team.
In 1930, a basketball teammate, Kathryn Robley, noticed Louise's incredible speed. Kathryn suggested Louise join the Onteora Track Club. The club's sponsor, William H. Quaine, already knew about Louise's reputation. Soon, Louise began winning many sprint races and jumping events.
Breaking Records and Olympic Dreams
While still in Malden High School in 1931, Louise won the James Michael Curley Cup. This award was for the best women's performance at the Mayor's Day track meet. She set a new New England record in the 100-meter dash, finishing in just 12.6 seconds. In December of that year, she tied the world record for the women's standing broad jump. She jumped an impressive 8 feet 5 3/4 inches.
The 1932 Olympic Trials
Louise competed in the 1932 United States Olympic Trials for the 100 meters. She finished fourth, which earned her a spot in the 4 × 100 meter relay team. This made Louise Stokes and Tidye Pickett the first African-American women ever chosen for the Olympics. However, the coach, George Vreeland, decided not to include them in the final relay lineup. Even so, Louise had a special moment in Los Angeles. Film star Janet Gaynor gave her a compact mirror.
The 1936 Olympic Trials
Louise continued to train and run. At the 1936 United States Olympic Trials, she again competed in the 100 meters. She won both her heat and her semi-final race. In the final, she was leading but made a small mistake, causing her to finish fifth. This was still good enough to be part of the 4 x 100 meter relay team.
Her hometown of Malden, Massachusetts, raised $680 to help her compete in Berlin. Although she did not get to compete in the Olympics, she received a hero's welcome when she returned to Malden. In 2016, a film called Olympic Pride, American Prejudice documented the journey of the eighteen Black American athletes from the 1936 Olympics. It included interviews with Louise's family.
Later Life and Legacy
Louise had considered competing in the 1940 Olympics. However, those games were canceled because of World War II. In 1941, she started the Colored Women's Bowling League. Over the next thirty years, she won many awards in bowling.
In 1944, she married Wilfred Fraser, a cricketer from the Caribbean. They had a son named Wilfred Jr., and Louise also had a stepdaughter named Shirley. From 1957 to 1975, Louise worked as a clerk for the Massachusetts Department of Corporations and Taxation. She passed away on March 25, 1978.
Malden, Massachusetts, has honored Louise Stokes in several ways. There is a fieldhouse named after her in Roosevelt Park. Also, a statue of her stands in the Malden High Courtyard.
