By Edward ClarkLIFE Photo Collection
If you've watched women's swimming in recent years you'll be in no doubt that they're taking the sport to a new level and breaking records. But what about the women who pioneered their place in the pool? Let's take a look at seven swimmers who've made a splash in history.
Fanny Durack and Mina Wylie by Unknown photographerState Library of New South Wales
Fanny Durack
The first ever female Olympic swimming champion, Fanny Durack was a powerhouse in the pool. Although initially barred from competing in the 1912 Stockholm Games, the decision was reversed and she came home with gold. At one point she also held world records over every distance.
Gertrude Ederle (1925) by Underwood & UnderwoodSmithsonian's National Portrait Gallery
Gertrude Ederle
Moving out of the pool, Ederle was the first female to swim the English Channel. She did it in a time of 14 hours and 34 minutes, two hours faster than the existing men's record. She also won two gold and one bronze medals for the USA at the 1924 Paris Olympics.
25c Helene Madison stamp (1990-07-06) by United States Postal ServiceSmithsonian's National Postal Museum
Helene Madison
Helene Madison won three gold medals at the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, becoming a star of the sport and the most successful athlete at the games. Between 1930 and 1931, she also broke 16 world records and even starred in a number of movies.
Enith Brigitha
At the 1976 Montreal Olympics, Dutch swimmer Enith Brigitha became the first Black athlete to win a medal in the pool. It's even suggested it could have been gold, as questions have been asked about doping tactics employed by the East German swimmers who took gold and silver.
Dara Torres
Torres is a 12-time Olympic medalist and the first US swimmer to compete in five Olympic Games, as well as being the oldest swimmer to earn a place on the US Olympic Team at age 41. She is also one of only a few athletes to medal at five different games.
Krisztina Egerszegi
The youngest swimmer ever to win an Olympic gold, Hungary's Krisztina Egerszegi was just 14 years and 41 days. It was one of five golds that spanned three games. She is one of only three people to have won the same event at three consecutive Olympics.
Katie Ledecky
Amassing five Olympic golds and 15 world titles, Ledecky won her first at just 15 years of age and went on an astonishing unbeaten run in major finals. She is a multiple world record holder and a true global superstar of the sport.
Aau Women's Swimming Champs by Michael RougierLIFE Photo Collection
Women's swimming has come a long way since its first Olympics in 1912, and it's thanks in no small part to these pioneering athletes. Find out more about women who have made a splash in sports and culture.
