WHO WAS KITTY O' NEIL?

                                                         BY PHILIP CHALIL

Kitty O'Neil was a true inspiration and a trailblazer in the field of motorsports, despite the challenges she faced throughout her life. Born in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1946, O'Neil was deaf since she was five months old, but that never stopped her from pursuing her dreams.

As a child, O'Neil learned to lip-read, and her mother encouraged her to learn to speak. She was also an active child, enjoying sports like diving, swimming, and gymnastics. Her athletic abilities would later become a crucial factor in her career as a stuntwoman and racer.

O'Neil's career in the entertainment industry began in the 1970s, where she was a regular stunt double for actress Lynda Carter on the hit TV show Wonder Woman. She also worked on numerous other TV shows and movies, performing stunts that included high falls, car chases, and explosions.

But it was O'Neil's love for speed that eventually led her to the world of motorsports. In 1976, she set a land-speed record for women by driving a rocket-powered car at a speed of 512 miles per hour. The record still stands today as the fastest speed ever achieved by a woman on land.

O'Neil also made history by being the first woman to qualify for a National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) event, driving a Top Fuel dragster. She also set several records in drag racing, including the fastest quarter-mile time by a woman, which she achieved in just 3.22 seconds.

Despite her achievements, O'Neil faced numerous challenges as a woman in a male-dominated industry. She was often subjected to discrimination and harassment, and even had to fight for the right to compete in some events.

In addition to her success as a racer and stuntwoman, O'Neil was also an advocate for people with disabilities. She often spoke publicly about her own experiences with deafness and encouraged others with disabilities to pursue their dreams.

Sadly, O'Neil passed away in 2018 at the age of 72, but her legacy lives on. Her courage, determination, and perseverance continue to inspire people all over the world, and she remains a true icon in the world of motorsports.

Kitty O'Neil was a remarkable woman who accomplished great things in her life despite the challenges she faced. Her achievements in the entertainment industry and motorsports were groundbreaking, and her advocacy for people with disabilities was truly admirable. O'Neil's legacy will continue to inspire future generations to follow their dreams, no matter what obstacles they may face.