Born: November 18, 1922
Died: April 20, 1992
Biography:
Marjorie Gestring (November 18, 1922 – April 20, 1992) was a competitive springboard diver from the United States. At the age of 13 years and 268 days, she won the gold medal in 3-meter springboard diving at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, making her at the time the youngest person ever to win an Olympic gold medal. A multi-time national diving champion in the United States, she was given a second Olympic gold medal by the United States Olympic Committee after the 1940 Summer Olympics were called off due to the advent of World War II. Gestring attempted to return to the Olympics at the 1948 Games but failed to qualify for the US team. She has been inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame and the Stanford Athletic Hall of Fame.
Gestring’s diving career took off at a young age. She won her first major title at the Amateur Athletic Union meeting in Chicago in 1936. This victory catapulted her onto the national stage and she soon found herself competing in the tryouts for the 1936 Summer Olympics. Despite placing second in the qualifying event for the 3-meter springboard event, she made a lasting impression.
At the age of just 13 years and 268 days, Gestring made history at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. In what was considered an upset, she became the youngest person ever to win an Olympic gold medal. Her final dive secured her the victory, with a winning score of 89.27. The rival she defeated, Katherine Rawls, graciously congratulated her on the achievement, recognizing that Gestring’s dive had secured the gold medal.
The competition was a display of talent and determination, as Gestring found herself in a duel with Rawls for the coveted gold medal in front of 15,000 spectators. The all-American top three in the final round showcased the dominance of American divers, with Rawls winning silver and Dorothy Poynton-Hill winning bronze.
Following her Olympic triumph, Gestring continued to excel in national championships. She won the US national title for 3-meter springboard diving in both 1938 and 1939. She also showcased her skill by winning the regional Far Western and Arizona State swimming championships in 1937.
Despite the cancellation of the 1940 Summer Olympics due to the outbreak of World War II, Gestring remained a force to be reckoned with in the diving world. She retained the title of US National Women’s High Diving Champion in 1939 and successfully defended it in 1940. Additionally, she retained the title for the 3-meter springboard event that same year.
Margaret Ambrosia, a fellow diver of the same era, believed that Gestring would have secured another gold medal had the 1940 Olympic Games proceeded as planned. This sentiment was echoed by the United States Olympic Committee, who awarded Gestring a second Olympic gold medal in recognition of her exceptional talent and the unfortunate circumstances that prevented her from showcasing it on the international stage.
In her quest for Olympic glory, Gestring attempted to make a comeback at the 1948 Games. However, she was unable to qualify for the US team, marking the end of her competitive diving career. Despite this setback, Gestring’s contributions to the sport were recognized when she was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame and the Stanford Athletic Hall of Fame.
Marjorie Gestring will forever be remembered as a trailblazer in the world of diving. Her achievements at such a young age and her resilience in the face of adversity serve as a testament to her talent and dedication to the sport. She remains an inspiration to young athletes and a pioneer in the history of women’s diving.
Awards:
– Olympic gold medal in 3-meter springboard diving at the 1936 Summer Olympics
– Second Olympic gold medal awarded by the United States Olympic Committee for the 1940 Summer Olympics (canceled due to World War II)