One of USA’s most decorated track stars in the 1950s was Isabelle Frances Daniels. Born in the tiny town of Jakin in southwest Georgia, “Tweety” – a nickname that stuck as a young girl – grew up in a deeply segregated region attending all-Black schools where opportunities were few and far between. As a senior at Carver High School, she won the Georgia State Championships in both the 50-yard and 100-yard dash, earning recognition nationwide and recruitment to Tennessee State – then the most prestigious college women’s track program in the country. Competing for USA Track & Field at the 1955 Pan American Games in Mexico City, Daniels took second place in the 60 Meters and was part of the gold-medal winning 4×100 Meter relay team.

At the 1956 U.S. Olympic Trials, Daniels won the 100-meter dash to earn the coveted title of fastest woman in America, beating a talented field that included future three-time Olympic gold medalist Wilma Rudolph. At the 1956 Melbourne Summer Olympics, she initially placed third in a tight finish in the 100 Meters, but post-race photos pushed her to fourth and just off the podium. Later at those Games, Daniels anchored USA's 4×100-meter relay team to a 3rd place finish and the bronze medal in an American record-breaking time of 44.9 seconds. Amazingly, all three teams (Australia, Great Britain and USA) shattered the previous world record. For Daniels and her teammates Mae Faggs, Margaret Matthews and Wilma Rudolph, it was a powerful moment for women’s sports and Black History as they became the first all African-American ladies' relay team to ever compete at the Olympics.

Isabelle continued to excel after the 1956 Olympics, earning All-American honors in each of her four years at Tennessee State under famous coach Ed Temple (who also coached the Olympic team). In 1957, she set a world record in the 50-yard dash. At the 1959 Pan Am Games in Chicago, she won gold in the 60 Meters, silver in the 200, and another gold medal in the 4×100-meter relay (again teaming with Rudolph). Overall, Isabelle Daniels won five AAU sprint titles outdoors and seven AAU titles indoors. Injuries prevented her from competing at the 1960 Rome Olympics where Rudolph swept gold in the 100, 200 and 4x100 relay.

Presented here is an impressive group of rare items issued to Isabelle Daniels at the 1959 Pan America Games including her 4x100m and 60m gold medals as well as her 200m silver medal. The third ever Pan-Am Games were held in Chicago from August 28 - Sept. 7, 1959. Each winner's medal is made of silver and measures 52 mm in diameter (3 mm thick) with the same design front and back except for the place and event inscribed on the reverse. The medals each weigh 70 grams including the two gold medals as much of their light gold plating has worn off.  The two 1st place golds come with their original white plastic presentation cases; the 2nd place silver comes with a clear plastic case. Included with each medal is its corresponding winner's  diploma certificate – 1st place for 60 Meters, 1st place for 4x100 Meters, and 2nd place for 200 Meters – each measuring 14.5" by 20.5".

In addition, we have Isabelle Daniels' official 1959 Pan-Am Games Athlete Identity Card that she has signed in red pen on the front. The 3.5" by 5.5" folded ID card opens to reveal her address and personal details along with the signature of the National Olympic Committee head. Next is her '59 Pan-Am Games 'Athletics' (Track & Field) competitor's badge with its pinback intact and red ribbon attached. Rounding out the lot is Daniels' personally used red '59 Pan-Am Game equipment bag with a snapshot photo of her carrying it alongside Wilma Rudolph. All items are well-preserved in EX/NM to NM-MT condition and come directly from the Daniels family with a letter of provenance.