ETHELDA BLEIBTREY BECOMES 1ST U.S. WOMAN TO WIN OLYMPIC GOLD
Antwerp, Belgium (JFK+50) On August 25, 1920, 18 year old Ethelda Bleibtrey* became the first woman representing the United States to win an Olympic gold medal.
The American swimmer finished 11 seconds ahead of Sweden's Jane Gylling in the 100 meter freestyle to earn the gold.
Miss Bleibtrey also won gold medals in the 300 meter freestyle and the 4 x 100 meter freestyle relay.
The 1920 Summer Olympic Games were held in Antwerp, Belgium.
*Ethelda Bleibtrey, a.k.a. Ethelda Schlatke (1902-1978) was born in Waterford, New York. She contracted polio in 1917 & took up swimming to enhance recovery. EBS specialized in the backstroke, but that was not included as an event in the 1920 Summer Olympics. EBS was admitted to the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1967.
Ethelda Bleibtrey
Summer Olympic Games
Antwerp, Belgium (1920)
