Rebekah Colberg facts for kids
Dr. Rebekah Colberg (born December 25, 1918 – died July 8, 1985) was a famous athlete from Puerto Rico. She was known as "The Mother of Women's Sports in Puerto Rico" because she helped women get more involved in sports. Rebekah won gold medals in the discus and javelin throw at the 1938 Central American and Caribbean Games.
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Rebekah Colberg's Early Life
Rebekah Colberg was born in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. She was born early, weighing only four pounds. No one knew then that this small baby would grow up to be a sports hero! In her time, it was hard for women to play sports. But Rebekah showed everyone that girls could be amazing athletes if they had the chance.
Rebekah was also very smart. She studied at the University of Puerto Rico and earned a degree in science and pharmacy. Later, she went to Columbia University in New York for her master's degree in physical education. She even earned a doctorate in medicine from the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
Amazing Sports Achievements
Rebekah Colberg was a champion in many sports.
- From 1932 to 1946, she was Puerto Rico's tennis champion for 14 years in a row!
- In 1938, she went to the IV Central American and Caribbean Games in Panama. There, she won two gold medals in track and field. She won for the discus and the javelin throw.
- In 1946, the games were held in Barranquilla, Colombia. Rebekah won another gold medal, this time in softball.
- While studying at Columbia University, she played on the university's championship teams for field hockey and lacrosse.
- She was also part of the undefeated women's basketball team at the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1952, Rebekah Colberg was honored by being added to the Puerto Rican Athletic Hall of Fame. She was also inducted into the Puerto Rican Tennis Hall of Fame. Many people believe she is the greatest woman athlete ever born in Puerto Rico.
Rebekah Colberg passed away on July 8, 1985, in her hometown of Cabo Rojo. She is buried in the Old San Juan Cemetery.
Honors and Recognition
Rebekah Colberg is remembered in many ways:
- The city of Cabo Rojo named a sports arena, called a Coliseum, after her. This is the Coliseo Rebekah Colberg Cabrera.
- In Rio Piedras, there is also a Rebekah Colberg Multi-sports Gym.
- On May 29, 2014, the government of Puerto Rico honored 12 important women. They placed special plaques for them in "La Plaza en Honor a la Mujer Puertorriqueña" (Plaza in Honor of Puerto Rican Women) in San Juan. Rebekah Colberg was one of these honored women.
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Rebekah Colberg
