Olga Dorfner
Olga Dorfner (May 30, 1898 in Philadelphia – May 7, 1983)[1] was an American competitive swimmer. In 1918 she became the first American woman to break a swimming world record; she did that in the 200 meter freestyle and 100 yard (91 m) freestyle events.[2] In 1970 Dofner was inducted to the International Swimming Hall of Fame.[3]
Olga Dorfner c. 1917 | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 30, 1898 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Died | May 7, 1983 (aged 84) |
| Sport | |
| Sport | Swimming |
Her record in 100 yards was 1:06.2. Besides that she also held US records in the 40 yd, 50 yd, 60 yd, 80 yd and 220 yd and was a US champion in the 50 yd (1916), 100 yd (1916-1918), 220 yd (1917) yd and 440 yd (1917) freestyle events. She did not participate in Summer Olympics due to World War I, and then due to childbirth in 1920.[3]
She started swimming in a club in 1914. After winning the national championships of 1916 she was presented with a vase featuring her portrait. Dorfner personally donated the vase to the museum of the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1970.[4]
References
- MISS DORFNER SETS NEW MARK IN TANK; Fair Philadelphia Swimmer Breaks Her Own American Record at 220 Yards. CAPTURES NATIONAL TITLE Takes Plunge for Distance Also;- Miss Boyle Wins 100-Yard Handicap in Stirring Finish. New York Times (1917-05-06)
- "FRED A. CADY (USA) 1969 Honor Coach". ISHOF.org. International Swimming Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on 2012-06-06. Retrieved 2012-08-26.
- "OLGA DORFNER (USA) 1970 Honor Swimmer". ISHOF.org. International Swimming Hall of Fame.
- MSS: Olga Dorfner Vase: Bruce Wigo talks about the Olge Dorfner Vase from the International Swimming Hall of Fame. Swimming World Magazine (2012-02-09).