Kitty O'Neil was an American stuntwoman, racer, and diver who achieved several notable feats throughout her career. Born on March 24, 1946, in Corpus Christi, Texas, she grew up in a working-class family and had to overcome several challenges throughout her life.
At the age of five, O'Neil contracted measles, which left her deaf in both ears. Despite this setback, she was determined to live a full and active life. She excelled in various sports, including diving, gymnastics, and track and field. O'Neil's natural athletic ability eventually led her to the world of stunts and racing.
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In the 1970s, O'Neil made a name for herself as a stuntwoman in Hollywood. She performed in several popular movies, including "The Blues Brothers," "Smokey and the Bandit II," and "The Bionic Woman." She also worked as a stunt double for famous actresses such as Farrah Fawcett and Lindsay Wagner.
But O'Neil's most significant achievement came in 1976 when she set the land-speed record for women. Driving a hydrogen-peroxide-powered rocket car, O'Neil reached a top speed of 512 miles per hour (824 kilometers per hour) in the Alvord Desert in Oregon. This incredible feat earned her the title of "fastest woman on earth."
O'Neil's record still stands today, as no woman has since broken it. However, it's worth noting that her record was set on a one-way course, which differs from the traditional land-speed record that requires a vehicle to make two runs in opposite directions. Therefore, O'Neil's record is sometimes considered unofficial.
Despite this, O'Neil's achievement is still impressive, and it paved the way for other women to pursue careers in racing and other male-dominated fields. O'Neil herself continued to break barriers throughout her career, becoming the first woman to perform a full-body burn in a movie and the first woman to compete in the Baja 1000 off-road race.
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Tragically, O'Neil's career was cut short when she suffered a severe injury while performing a stunt in 1982. She retired from stunts and racing but continued to work in the film industry as a stunt coordinator and consultant.
Kitty O'Neil's legacy lives on as a trailblazer for women in sports and entertainment. Her determination, courage, and skill continue to inspire people around the world. O'Neil passed away on November 2, 2018, at the age of 72, but her incredible achievements will always be remembered.

