(1895-1981)
Lata Brandis, noblewoman and horse rider, she was the first woman to take part in the famous Great Pardubice Steeplechase, one of the most difficult horse races in Europe, in 1927. Ten years later, she won the race on the mare Norma. Thus far, she is the only woman in history to win this race. Her victory made her a national hero. During World War II and the German occupation, she declared herself of Czech nationality and talked in Czech, even though her mother tongue was German. After the communist takeover, she faced persecution like members of other noble families, and led a life of poverty on the fringes of society. She died in 1981 in Austria, invited there by her nephew towards the end of her life.