March 3, 2022

Heroines Week Fanny Blankers-Koen (3-3-2022)

by Chompers

Background show artwork for Chompers

Who is the flying housewife? Today's Olympian heroine, Fanny Blankers-Koen.

Where to Listen

Transcript

>> Rachel: Oh hello again! You’re just in time for Chompers, your morning and night toothbrushing show


Start brushing on the top of your mouth on one side, and brush the inside, outside and chewing side of each tooth


>> KIDS: 3, 2, 1 brush!


>> Rachel: It’s Heroines Week, where every day we tell you about a real life heroic woman from history. Tonight we’re talking about an incredible athlete and mom. 


>> ZAC: My mom? Well I wouldn't call her an athlete but she HAS started taking zumba...


>> Rachel: No….your mom is cool too but tonight we're talking about an athlete named Fanny Blankers- Koen. 


>> Zac: Oh ok well that makes sense.


>> Rachel: Fanny Blankers-Koen was a runner from a country called the Netherlands. Fanny was a super talented athlete and her dream was to win a gold medal at the olympics. The Olympics happen every four years, and the best athletes from around the world compete 


Switch to the other side of the top of your mouth, and brush the molars in the back too.


[Switch Bell]


>> Rachel: Fanny told everyone that she wanted to compete. People didn’t think she could do it though. They said she was too old to compete. Fanny was thirty, and most Olympic athletes were much younger. Plus, she had two kids, and back then moms were expected to stay home, not compete in the Olympics! But Fanny was determined to run. 


Switch to the bottom of your mouth, but don't brush too hard.


[Switch Bell]


>> Rachel: When it was finally time to race, Fanny was nervous, but ready. Before her first race, she pointed at one of the people who had doubted her and said “I'll show you.” Fanny competed in four races, and shocked the world by coming FIRST in ALL OF THEM. Fanny won FOUR GOLD MEDALS, the most of any athlete that year. They nicknamed her “The Flying Housewife,” because she ran so fast it looked like she could fly. 


Switch to the other side of the bottom of your mouth, and give your tongue a brush too.


[Switch Bell]


>> Rachel: Fanny returned home a hero. The people of the Netherlands threw a parade for Fanny, and she was given a special honor by the Queen of the Netherlands. Fanny showed everyone that moms could be anything they wanted to be, including one of the world's best athletes. 


Because of her boldness and unbeatable spirit, Fanny Blankers-Koen is tonight’s Chompers Heroine! 


That's it for Chompers tonight but we’ll be back at it tomorrow. Until then, 


>> KIDS: 3, 2, 1 spit!