Daria Pratt, American golfer (d. 1938)

Myra Abigail "Abbie" Pratt, born Abigail Pankhurst on March 21, 1859, and passing away on June 26, 1938, lived a life as varied as her many names. This remarkable American golfer, who would later become a Princess, etched her name into sporting history by winning a bronze medal at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Early Life and First Steps

Abbie's journey began as Abigail Pankhurst. Her first significant personal chapter involved her marriage to Herbert Wright. However, the precise end of this union remains somewhat shrouded in mystery; historical records leave us pondering whether Wright passed away around 1880, or if their marriage dissolved through divorce in the 1890s, adding an intriguing layer to her early biography and setting a pattern for the complexities of her future relationships.

The Parisian Olympics and a New Chapter

A pivotal turn in Abbie's life came with her marriage to Thomas Huger Pratt, which occurred shortly before the dawn of the new century and the 1900 Paris Olympics. This couple embraced a distinctly European lifestyle, frequently traveling abroad and finding a shared passion at the prestigious Dinard Golf Club in France. The 1900 Games were groundbreaking, marking the first time women were officially allowed to compete on the Olympic stage, and Abbie seized this historic opportunity with remarkable skill. She delivered a stellar performance in the women's golf competition, securing the bronze medal with a score of 53 in the challenging 9-hole stroke play tournament. While Thomas Huger Pratt also participated, competing in the non-Olympic handicap event, it was Abbie's achievement that secured her a permanent place in Olympic lore.

A Life of Shifting Fortunes and Royal Connections

The complexities of Abbie Pratt's personal life didn't end with her Olympic triumph. The fate of her marriage to Thomas Huger Pratt remains a subject of historical debate, clouded by conflicting accounts. Some suggest Thomas may have died in either 1905 or 1907. Intriguingly, other reports indicate he might have simply disappeared in 1907, with a newspaper article from that period even detailing Abbie's pursuit of a divorce stemming from his absence. Further adding to the enigma, another record suggests his death occurred as late as 1912, while he was still legally married to Abbie. Yet, Abbie's story took another fascinating turn. On June 11, 1913, in the romantic city of Paris, she married Prince Alexis Karageorgevich. With this union, she adopted the royal name Daria, officially becoming Princess Daria Karageorgevich and concluding her remarkable journey from American Olympic golfer to European royalty.

Frequently Asked Questions About Abbie Pratt

Who was Myra Abigail "Abbie" Pratt?
Myra Abigail "Abbie" Pratt, born Abigail Pankhurst, was an American golfer who achieved an Olympic bronze medal and later married into European royalty as Princess Daria Karageorgevich.
What was Abbie Pratt famous for?
She is primarily known for winning a bronze medal in women's golf at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris, a historically significant event as it marked the first time women were officially allowed to compete in the Games.
When did Abbie Pratt compete in the Olympics?
Abbie Pratt competed in the 1900 Summer Olympics held in Paris.
Did Abbie Pratt have any royal connections?
Yes, she married Prince Alexis Karageorgevich on June 11, 1913, in Paris, subsequently taking the name Daria, Princess Karageorgevich.
Where did Abbie Pratt play golf?
Besides her Olympic performance, she was notably a member of the prestigious Dinard Golf Club in France during her time in Europe.