Preis, Ellen (1912–)

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Preis, Ellen (1912–)

German-Jewish fencer. Name variations: Ellen Müller-Preis; Ellen Mueller or Muller-Preis. Born Ellen Preis, May 6, 1912, in Berlin-Charlottenburg, Germany; niece of Wilhelmine Werdnik (fencing master).

Became Austrian fencing champion at age 12; considered one of the greatest female fencers in history, participated in 5 Olympics representing Austria (1932, 1936, 1948, 1952, 1956), winning a gold medal in indiv. foil in Los Angeles (1932), a bronze medal in Berlin (1936), and, as Ellen Müller-Preis, a bronze medal in London (1948); won gold medal at World championships (1947, 1949, 1950).