Estella Agsteribbe

Estella Agsteribbe, born on April sixth, nineteen oh nine, was a remarkable Dutch artistic gymnast who made her mark in the world of sports. She was a proud member of the Dutch gymnastics team that clinched the gold medal at the 1928 Summer Olympics held in her hometown of Amsterdam. This achievement not only highlighted her athletic prowess but also marked a significant moment in Dutch sports history.

In recognition of their outstanding contributions to gymnastics, Estella and her teammates, including notable figures such as Lea Nordheim, Ans Polak, Judikje Simons, and Elka de Levie, were inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in nineteen ninety-seven. This honor reflects the legacy they left behind in the realm of competitive gymnastics.

Tragically, like many of her contemporaries, Estella's life took a devastating turn during World War II. As a Jewish athlete, she faced persecution and was deported. She, along with her husband Samuel Blits and their two young children, Nanny and Alfred, were murdered in the Auschwitz concentration camp, a heartbreaking end to a life filled with promise and achievement.