Google honored the legendary stuntwoman and racer Kitty O’Neil on March 24, 2023, by featuring her in its daily Doodle. O’Neil was born deaf but went on to achieve several remarkable feats in her lifetime that made her a trailblazer in the entertainment and sports industries.
One of her most significant accomplishments was setting the land-speed record of 512 mph (824 kph) in 1976, becoming the fastest woman in the world at that time. Additionally, she also set a water-speed record of 275 mph (442 kph) in a rocket-powered boat.
Apart from breaking speed records, O’Neil worked as a stuntwoman for several decades in the film industry. She was known for performing daredevil stunts such as jumping off buildings, being set on fire, and performing high-speed car chases. She served as a stunt double for actresses like Lynda Carter, Lindsay Wagner, and Sharon Gless and performed stunts in over 30 films and TV shows, including “Wonder Woman,” “The Bionic Woman,” and “CHiPs.”
O’Neil’s achievements earned her several accolades, including the Stuntwoman of the Year Award from the Stuntwomen’s Association of Motion Pictures in 1978. Besides her work in entertainment, O’Neil was also an off-road racer and even attempted to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 in 1976.
Kitty O’Neil passed away in 2018 at the age of 72, but her legacy of determination and bravery continues to inspire people worldwide. Her life’s story is a reminder that nothing is impossible if one has grit and determination.
Google’s Doodle honoring O’Neil’s remarkable achievements celebrates her legacy and pays homage to her memory. It serves as an inspiration for people to emulate her unwavering spirit and achieve greatness, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
