Dorothy Franey

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games (non-medal events)
SexFemale
Full nameDorothy Louise•Franey (-Langkop)
Used nameDorothy•Franey
Born25 October 1913 in South St. Paul, Minnesota (USA)
Died10 January 2011 in Saint Paul, Minnesota (USA)
NOC United States

Biography

Dorothy Franey was a pioneer for women’s athletics in the United States. She starred in high school in basketball, softball, tennis, and diving, and then starred as a speed skater. She was US National Champion for four consecutive years, 1933-36, after competing at the Lake Placid Winter Olympics. In 1938 she switched to figure skating, and became a headliner in ice shows around the country.

After she married and raised two boys, she was involved in a hunting accident in 1957 that shattered her left foot. Amputation was recommended but she refused that and underwent 12 operations to reconstruct her foot. In 1958 she recovered enough to win the Dallas City Golf Championships, and in 1959, she won the Mexican Women’s Amateur Championship in golf. She later became friendly with baseball star Mickey Mantle and together they won the Dallas City Mixed Foursome Golf Championshisp in 1960-62. In 1962 she helped start the Texas Girls’ Junior Golf Championship, and the championship trophy is now “The Dorothy Franey Langkop Trophy.” In 1981 she helped found the Texas Senior Games, with the backing of Texas Governor Bill Clements.

Franey is best known among US Olympic athletes as one of the leaders of the US Olympians organization. In 1983 she became the first female president of the group, and founded many of the regional chapters. She was later given the title of Honorary Executive Director of the United States Olympians and Paralympians. In 1995 the Dallas All Sports Association honored her with their Distinguished Service Award.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1932 Winter Olympics Speed Skating (Skating) USA Dorothy Franey
500 metres, Women (Olympic (non-medal)) 4 h2 r1/2
1,000 metres, Women (Olympic (non-medal)) 3
1,500 metres, Women (Olympic (non-medal)) 5