Ellen Braumüller
A versatile German athlete who seized Olympic silver in the javelin while also competing in three other demanding events at the 1932 Games.
1910–1991 (age 81)·German track and field athlete·Birthday: December 24·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Ellen Braumüller emerged from Berlin's sporting scene in the early 20th century, a time when women's athletics was fighting for its place on the world stage. Her moment arrived at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, where she didn't just specialize but demonstrated a remarkable breadth of talent. While her silver medal in the javelin throw was the headline, her participation in the high jump, discus, and a relay event painted the picture of a complete track and field competitor. Competing alongside her older sister Inge, Braumüller was part of a pioneering generation of German female athletes. Her career, though overshadowed by the political turmoil that would soon engulf her country, represented a peak of pre-war European women's sport, showcasing a fierce and multifaceted athleticism that few have matched since.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Ellen was born in 1910, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ellen Was Born
The biggest hits of 1910
Ellen's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1910Born
Halley's Comet makes its closest approach
President: William Howard Taft
1915Started school
The Lusitania is sunk by a German U-boat
President: Woodrow Wilson
1923Became a teenager
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
1926Could drive
Robert Goddard launches the first liquid-fueled rocket
President: Calvin Coolidge"Baby Face" — Jan Garber
1928Could vote
Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin; Mickey Mouse debuts
President: Calvin Coolidge"Ol' Man River" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: Wings
1931Turned 21
The Empire State Building opens as the world's tallest
Gas: $0.17/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Minnie the Moocher" — Cab CallowayBest Picture: Cimarron
1940Turned 30
The Blitz: Germany bombs London
Gas: $0.18/galHome: $2,938Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I'll Never Smile Again" — Tommy DorseyBest Picture: Rebecca
1950Turned 40
Korean War begins
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,354Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Goodnight Irene" — Gordon Jenkins & The WeaversBest Picture: All About Eve
1960Turned 50
Kennedy-Nixon debates become first televised presidential debates
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $11,900Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Theme from A Summer Place" — Percy FaithBest Picture: The Apartment
1970Turned 60
First Earth Day; The Beatles break up
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $17,000Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Bridge over Troubled Water" — Simon & GarfunkelBest Picture: Patton
1980Turned 70
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1990Turned 80
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1991Died at 81
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
Key Achievements
- Won the silver medal in the javelin throw at the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
- Competed in four different events (javelin, relay, discus, high jump) at the same Olympic Games in 1932.
- Was a national champion in Germany during a highly competitive era for women's athletics.
Did You Know?
She was the younger sister of fellow track and field athlete Inge Braumüller.
Her Olympic silver medal was won with a throw of 43.49 meters.
She competed for the sports club SC Brandenburg Berlin.
“I threw the javelin because it felt like throwing a spear for the hunt.”
