LETNA STADIUM
Photo: Photographic collection of the Department of History of Physical Education and Sport of the National Museum
From September 6 to 8, 1930, the 3rd Women's World Games took place in Prague, Czechoslovakia, initiated by Alice Milliat and the International Women's Sports Federation (IFSF). These Games, held at the Letná Stadium (renamed epet ARENA in 2022), brought together female athletes from around the world, cementing their place on the international sporting scene.
The Games featured 270 female athletes from 17 countries. The program included 12 athletics events: the 60m, 100m, 200m and 800m races, the 4x100m and 80m hurdles, the high jump, the long jump, the triathlon (100m, high jump and javelin), and the discus, javelin and shot put.
But not only that, close to Alice Milliat's heart, it is during these Games that women's team sports events will be open, more specifically basketball and handball, which are usually reserved for men.
KEY FACTS
Japan's Kinue Hitomi, an exceptional athlete, had already distinguished herself at the previous Women's World Games in Gothenburg, where she was crowned best athlete. In Prague, she confirmed her talent by winning a gold medal as well as three additional medals: one silver and two bronze. Unfortunately, her promising career was abruptly cut short: she died of pneumonia less than a year after these Games, at the age of only 24. In Prague, her memory is perpetuated by a commemorative plaque located at the Olšany Cemetery, honoring this pioneer of Japanese and world sport.
Some time after the conclusion of these Women's World Games, the First Women's Sports Club was founded in Prague, whose membership has only increased. This demonstrates the role that these Games played in the development of women's sports in Czechoslovakia.
3RD WOMEN'S WORLD GAMES
Letna Stadium
M. Horákové 1066/98,
170 00 Prague 7-Bubenec
420 296 111 400
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