In 1932 Tydie Pickett, along with her teammate Louise Stokes, became the first African-American women to win spots on the United States Olympic team. They were to compete in the 400-meter relay team in Los Angeles that year.
However, at the last minute they were both replaced with white players, who went on to win the gold medal. In 1936, Tydie Pickett once again readied herself for Olympic competition, this time in Berlin. Unfortunately, during a training heat of the 80-meter hurdles she was disqualified when her trailing leg hit a hurdle and broke her foot.
Although she never medaled, both Tydie Pickett and Louise Stokes were important predecessors to the successful black female Olympic athletes who followed, such as Alice Coachman.
Photo courtesy of Hard Road to Glory, AP/Worldwide Photos