Q1703

Olympians

Hazel Wightman - Tennis

Collins Cover Announcement 

FAMOUS OLYMPIANS 

Hazel Wiqhtman

At the age of 16 around the turn of the century, Hazel Wightman took up the game of tennis. In 1909, 1910, and 1911 she won the U.S. Women's Singles, Women's Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. She took time out to have a child and in 1913, with infant George recently born, defeated the national champion. After the birth of two daughters, she once again won the National Women's Singles Championship in 1919. In 1922 she had another daughter and in 1925 another son. Amazingly, in between, in 1924 Hazel Wightman won Olympic Gold Medals in Women's Doubles and Mixed Doubles as well as winning the Women's Doubles at Wimbledon.

In 1927 this amazing athlete and mother of five won the National Squash Championship. In 1928, she once again won the National Women's Tennis Doubles Championship. She continued playing, writing about and teaching tennis throughout her life and her last national title was a Senior's Championship in 1954 at the age of 68.

The hand-painted cachet shows Hazel returning a volley. She is attired in early tennis garb including long skirt. Torches and circular format are again used as with the other covers in this set.

A trip to Minnesota resulted in the great slogan First Day postmark.

U. S. Olympic Festival - 90

Torch Run Station

July 6, 1990

Maple Grove, MN 55369

This COLLINS Olymnpic First Day Cover salutes an astounding tennis player and great competitor -- Hazel Virginia Hotchkiss Wightman. Item #Q1703 - $8.75.