Definition
Ellen Preis (1909–2001), also known as Ellen Müller‑Preis, was an Austrian‑born foil fencer who won multiple Olympic and World Championship medals representing Austria.
Overview
Born Ellen Müller on 6 March 1909 in Vienna, Austria, she began fencing at a young age and quickly rose to prominence on the Austrian national team. Competing under the married name Müller‑Preis after her 1935 marriage to Dr. Fritz Preis, she achieved international success throughout the 1930s and 1940s. Her most notable accomplishment was winning the gold medal in women’s individual foil at the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. She added a silver medal in the same event at the 1936 Berlin Olympics and earned several World Championship titles, including gold in 1934 and 1935. After World War II, she emigrated to the United States, where she continued to be involved in fencing as a coach and mentor until her death on 23 December 2001 in New York City.
Etymology/Origin
The surname “Preis” is of German origin, meaning “price” or “value.” In the context of Austrian and German‑speaking Jewish families, it sometimes appears as an ornamental name adopted in the 19th century. Ellen’s maiden name, “Müller,” is a common German occupational surname meaning “miller.” She combined both surnames after marriage, becoming Ellen Müller‑Preis.
Characteristics
- Sporting discipline: Foil fencing (women’s individual and team events).
- Olympic achievements: Gold (1932, women’s individual foil), Silver (1936, women’s individual foil).
- World Championship titles: Gold medals in individual foil (1934, 1935) and team events; multiple additional podium finishes.
- Style of play: Known for technical precision, strategic footwork, and a calm composure under pressure, which contributed to her dominance in the pre‑war era of women’s fencing.
- Post‑competitive career: After relocating to the United States, she coached at various clubs and contributed to the development of American women’s fencing, influencing subsequent generations of athletes.
- Legacy: Inducted into the International Fencing Federation (FIE) Hall of Fame and remembered as one of the pioneering female fencers of the 20th century.
Related Topics
- Foil (fencing)
- Women’s fencing at the Olympic Games
- Austria at the Summer Olympics
- Jewish athletes in the early 20th century
- International Fencing Federation (FIE) Hall of Fame
- History of fencing in the United States.