The first modern Olympic Games took place in 1896 in Athens, Greece, establishing many traditions that continue today. However, it was not until 1900, during the Summer Olympic Games held in Paris, France, that women were allowed to compete in sporting events for the first time, marking a significant milestone. A total of 22 women participated in the Paris Games, competing in events such as tennis, croquet, sailing, and golf. This event also saw the crowning of the first female Olympic champion. On July 11, 1900, Charlotte Cooper made history by becoming the first woman to win an Olympic gold medal and the first female champion in Olympic tennis.

Charlotte Cooper was born in Middlesex, England, on September 22, 1870. She took an interest in athletics at a young age, and her parents supported her passion for tennis at the Ealing Lawn Tennis Club, where they hired several private tutors. At the age of 25, she competed in and won her first Wimbledon tournament, a remarkable achievement she would repeat multiple times throughout her career. Although she became deaf at the age of 26, this loss of hearing did not hinder her performance on the court. In a sport where being able to hear is crucial for judging ball speed and opponent positioning, Cooper went on to win several other Wimbledon titles and ultimately became the first female Olympian.

Fun Facts about Charlotte Cooper:

• Cooper won the Wimbledon singles title five times, first in 1896 and last in 1908.
• She held the record for attending Wimbledon singles matches until 1994, having attended 11 times.
• Cooper held the record for many years as the oldest winner of a Wimbledon singles match. In 1908, she won at the age of 37, becoming the first mother to win a Wimbledon match.
• She was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 2013. 
• Charlotte Cooper lived a long and active life, passing away in 1966 at the age of 96.