.jpg) Boeckmann in 1928 | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Born | (1906-11-09)November 9, 1906 St. Louis, Missouri |
| Died | April 25, 1989(1989-04-25) (aged 82) Creve Coeur, Missouri |
| Sport | |
| Sport | Middle-distance running |
| Event | 800 metres |
Delores"Dee" Boeckmann (November 9, 1906 – April 25, 1989) was an Americanmiddle-distance runner. She competed in thewomen's 800 metres at the1928 Summer Olympics.[1] Apart from competing, Boeckmann was the first woman to coach theUnited States national track and field team during the1936 Summer Olympics. She was inducted into theNational Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1976.
Boeckmann was born on November 9, 1906, inSt. Louis,Missouri. She began competing in athletics while in elementary school.[2] She completed her post-secondary education in a multitude of universities includingHarris–Stowe State University andWashington University.[3]
In 1927, Boeckmann set records in the50 metres and800 metres events. She competed at the1928 Summer Olympics in the 800 metres.[2] At the1936 Summer Olympics Boeckmann became the first woman to coach theUnited States national track and field team beating three men to the post in a ballot; including the coach of the 1932 US women's Olympics squad, George Breeland.[2][4] Outside of athletic competition, Boeckmann was a director in physical education and athletics.[3]
DuringWorld War II, Boeckmann became a United States Army recreational director.[5] After the war, she continued her work with the army as a sports director in 1948.[6] While with the army, she was named coach of the Japan women's national track and field team in 1950.[7] Boeckmann's final Olympics with the United States was at the1964 Summer Olympics as a director. She ended her career in 1972.[8]
On April 25, 1989, Boeckmann died inCreve Coeur, Missouri.[1]
In 1976, Boeckmann was inducted into theNational Track and Field Hall of Fame.[7]
