As a 30 year-old housewife with two kids, Holland's Fanny Blankers-Koen was not considered a serious threat heading into the 1948 London Games. She left London a legend.

Fanny Blankers-Koen (AP Photo)

Blankers-Koen felt that solely making the finals was triumph enough, and was more than satisfied with her shocking triumph in the 100 meters.

But with her husband Jan cheering her on, Blankers-Koen proceeded to win the 200 meters and the 80 meter hurdles. Blankers-Koen also anchored the 4x100 relay team, coming up from seventh place to win the gold.

Blankers-Koen set world records in seven different events by the time she retired from competition.

Terra Sports/Reuters