Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Violette Morris


How many people realise that the young lady with the necktie in Brassai's famous picture "Lesbian Couple at Le Monocle" is the French racing driver Violette Morris. A sporting all-rounder: world shot put and discus record holder, soccer and water-polo international, champion weightlifter, boxer, racing cyclist, feminist icon, German spy and Gestapo torturer.

This winner, in 1927, of the 24 Hour Bol d'Or race was assassinated by the Resistance in 1944.

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