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
Olga Dorfner c. 1917
Personal information
Born(1898-05-30)May 30, 1898
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
DiedMay 7, 1983(1983-05-07) (aged 84)
Sport
SportSwimming

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]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ 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)
  2. ^ "FRED A. CADY (USA) 1969 Honor Coach". ISHOF.org. International Swimming Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on June 6, 2012. Retrieved August 26, 2012.
  3. ^ a b "OLGA DORFNER (USA) 1970 Honor Swimmer". ISHOF.org. International Swimming Hall of Fame.[dead link]
  4. ^ 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).
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