Ostermeyer, Micheline (1922–2001)

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Ostermeyer, Micheline (1922–2001)

French track-and-field athlete and concert pianist. Born Dec 23, 1922, in Rang-du-Fliers, France; grew up in North Africa; died Oct 17, 2001, in Rouen; married 1952.

Moved to Tunisia with family (1929); at 14, moved back to France to study music at Paris Conservatory (1936); returned to Tunisia with advent of World War II (1940) and joined French Athletic Association, competing in several track-and-field events; at war's end, returned to France (1945); won gold medals for discus and shot put and a bronze medal for high jump at London Olympics (1948); retired from athletic competition (1951); moved to Lebanon with husband (1952); following his death (1960), returned to France and began to perform in concerts, then taught music at a conservatory just outside Paris; also made recordings.

See also Women in World History.