Born: 1941 (York, United Kingdom)
Biography:
Anita Lonsbrough, MBE (born 10 August 1941 in York), later known by her married name Anita Porter, is a former swimmer from Great Britain who made significant contributions to the sport and became an Olympic gold medalist. Born to Stanley and Maud Lonsbrough, she spent her childhood in India, where her father served as a Sergeant Major in the Coldstream Guards. After the family returned to Yorkshire, Anita attended St. Joseph’s Catholic College in Bradford, a girls’ direct grant grammar school. She went on to become a Treasurer’s Office clerk at Huddersfield Town Hall.
Lonsbrough’s swimming career began when she won her first gold medal at the 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Cardiff. This victory marked the beginning of a successful journey that would see her achieve five world records and seven gold medals before retiring in 1964. At the same games, Anita won gold in the 220 yards breaststroke and was part of the victorious medley relay team.
However, it was at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome that Lonsbrough secured her place in history. At just 19 years old, she clinched the gold medal in the 200m breaststroke, setting a new world record time of 2:49.5. Her triumph made her one of only two British gold medalists that year, alongside Don Thompson in the 50 kilometer walk. Furthermore, Anita became the last British woman to win Olympic gold in swimming for 48 years until Rebecca Adlington achieved the feat in the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Continuing her remarkable career, Anita triumphed at the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Perth, winning three gold medals in the 110 yards breaststroke, 220 yards breaststroke, and 440 yards individual medley. She also claimed victory at the 1963 ASA National Championship, securing the 220 yards freestyle title and becoming a five-time winner of the National Championship 220 yards breaststroke title, which included a world record in the 1962 final. Additionally, Anita won the 440 yards medley title twice in 1963 and 1964.
In 1964, Lonsbrough competed in the Tokyo Olympic Games, finishing 7th in the 400 meters individual medley. Although she did not start in the 400 meters freestyle, her participation demonstrated her exceptional abilities as an all-round swimmer.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Anita Lonsbrough has made an impact as a trailblazer in women’s history. She broke barriers and inspired generations of female swimmers with her tenacity and brilliance in the pool. Her dedication to the sport and her outstanding performances paved the way for future British swimmers to strive for excellence.
Anita Lonsbrough’s contributions to the world of swimming have been widely recognized and celebrated. She was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to swimming. Her accomplishments have left an indelible mark on the sport, and her legacy inspires future generations of swimmers to chase their dreams.
Awards:
– Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)