Hélène de Pourtalès

Countess Hélène de Pourtalès (April 28, 1868 – November 2, 1945), born Helen Barbey, was an American-born sailor who competed in the 1900 Summer Olympics representing Switzerland and became the first woman to win an Olympic gold medal.[1] She was also the first woman to represent Switzerland at the Olympics.[2][3]

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Hélène de Pourtalès

Personal information
Birth name	Helen Barbey
Nationality	Swiss
Born	(1868-04-28)April 28, 1868 New York City, U.S.
Died	November 2, 1945(1945-11-02) (aged 77) Geneva, Switzerland
Spouse(s)	Hermann Alexander, Count von Pourtalès ​ ​ (after 1888)​
Sailing career
Class(es)	1 to 2 ton Open class
Club	Union des Yachtsmen
Medal record Sailing Representing   Switzerland Olympic Games 1900 Paris 1 to 2 ton 1st race 1900 Paris 1 to 2 ton 2nd race