Louise Ritter
1988 Olympic High Jump Champion
Ritter won the bronze medal at the first World Championships in 1983, she was a favorite for a medal at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. However, the Superstars Olympic Curse held form and she finished a disappointing eighth. In 1987, she was a solid silver medal bet at the World Championships, but once again finished eighth. Ritter faced World Champion and world record holder Stefka Kostadinova of Bulgaria, the heavy favorite. Both women went clear until they reached 6' 8". Both missed all three attempts. This called for a sudden death jump-off. One more try at 6' 8". Kostadinova missed her attempt. Louise Ritter stood on the Olympic infield with an opportunity to pull a big upset. The cleared 6'8" to equal her own American record, set a new Olympic record and win the gold medal.
| EVENT |
PLACE |
POINTS |
MONEY |
EVENT WINS |
| 1984 Women's Final |
2 |
36 |
$11,100 |
Basketball, 60 Yard Dash |
| TOTALS |
36 |
$11,100 |
2 |