About Florieda Batson
Florieda Burton Batson Gibbens (November 20, 1900 – January 31, 1996) was an American hurdler and captain of the United States team at the Women's Olympics in Paris in 1922. == Early life and education == Batson was born in New Orleans, the youngest of three children born to Robert Percy Batson, a successful businessman born in Barbados, and his wife Florieda Burton Batson. Mrs. Batson died when Florieda was 3, and Florieda's two older brothers died in accidents. Mr. Batson sent Florieda to live with relatives in Alabama and New York, and she attended Rosemary Hall Academy (later Choate Rosemary Hall) in Connecticut. After graduating from Rosemary Hall, Batson enrolled at Smith College. == Career == At Rosemary Hall, Batson learned hurdling as well as playing field hockey and basketball. She quickly became the leading American short-distance female hurdler; Batson was undefeated between 1919 and 1921 and set U.S. records in the 60-yard high hurdles (9.0 seconds) and the 100-yard low hurdles (14.4 seconds). In 1922, Batson was invited to join the team of 13 American women attending the 1922 Women's Olympics, an event organized by French women's athletics pioneer Alice Milliat.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.