Early Promise Met with Resistance
In 1932, two young African-American sprinters—Tidye Pickett of Chicago and Louise Stokes of Malden, Massachusetts—earned places in the U.S. Olympic relay pool. Despite strong performances at the trials, both were benched in favor of slower white teammates. Pickett and Stokes traveled with the team to Los Angeles but were excluded from shared meals and dorm activities, and faced racial hostility from fellow athletes.
Humiliation on the Road to Los Angeles
En route to the Games, Olympic star Babe Didrikson threw ice water on the sleeping pair. Once in L.A., they were segregated from teammates and left out of competition. The all-white relay team went on to win gold as Pickett and Stokes watched from the stands.
Berlin and a First in History
In 1936, Pickett returned and became the first African-American woman to compete in the Olympics, reaching the semifinals in the 80-meter hurdles before breaking her foot. Stokes again remained sidelined.
After the Games
Both returned to segregated lives. Stokes remained active in Malden athletics; Pickett became a principal. Though they never medaled, their participation helped open the door for future athletes.
In 1932, two teenage sprinters, Tidye Pickett and Louise Stokes, made the U.S. Olympic relay pool.
But when they boarded the train to Los Angeles, they didn’t know they’d be excluded, insulted, and benched—despite running faster than others who took their place…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/7vdBenQx0f
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) May 1, 2025