Born: 1903 (Philadelphia, United States)
Died: 1989
Biography:
Elizabeth Anna Becker-Pinkston (née Becker, later Campbell; March 6, 1903 – April 6, 1989) was an American diver who achieved remarkable success in the 1920s and became an influential figure in the world of swimming and diving. Born in Philadelphia, Betty Becker Pinkston’s passion for the water became evident at a young age. Although she faced challenges and setbacks, including a serious illness, her dedication and talent propelled her to become an Olympic champion and a trailblazer for female athletes.
At the age of eight, Becker-Pinkston fell ill with a severe case of diphtheria, leaving her in a fragile state both physically and emotionally. Her doctor recommended swimming as a way to regain her strength, which led her to join the Turngemeninde Club, where she discovered her love for swimming and diving. The club organized monthly handicap competitions, where members were judged on their form, swimming, and diving skills.
As she grew older, Becker-Pinkston’s talent in both swimming and diving became evident. At twelve years old, she started participating in national swimming competitions, consistently securing second and third place finishes. It was during this time that her interest in diving blossomed, and she realized her true calling. At the age of fifteen, she won the Middle Atlantic State Championship, solidifying her commitment to diving.
Despite her passion and early successes, Becker-Pinkston faced a major disappointment when she narrowly missed the opportunity to join the 1920 Olympic team. Many believed that politics played a role in her exclusion, a sentiment expressed by her outspoken friend, Ethelda Bleibtrey. Undeterred, Becker-Pinkston continued to hone her skills and push forward in her pursuit of Olympic glory.
In 1922, Becker-Pinkston achieved a significant milestone by winning her first national springboard diving championship at the 3-meter level. She followed this success with another impressive victory in 1923, capturing both the National 3-meter and 1-meter titles. However, in 1924, while defending her 3-meter championship in Pasadena, California, she faced defeat at the hands of Carol Fletcher. Although she lost her title, it was during this competition that she met Clarence Pinkston, the Olympic 10-meter diving champion of 1920, who would ultimately become her future husband.
The same year that Becker-Pinkston was dethroned as the national 3-meter champion, she faced her greatest challenge and opportunity. It was the Olympic year, and she had to secure a place on the team or risk watching her future husband compete in Paris without her. Rising to the occasion, Becker-Pinkston displayed her exceptional skills and determination, earning a gold medal in the 3-meter springboard event and a silver medal in the 10-meter platform competition at the 1924 Summer Olympics.
Four years later, at the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam, Becker-Pinkston once again demonstrated her prowess by winning the gold medal in the 10-meter platform event. Her performances solidified her status as one of the leading divers of her time and a true Olympic champion.
Beyond her achievements in diving, Becker-Pinkston’s legacy is further amplified by her role as one half of the first husband-wife team to be inducted into the Swimming Hall of Fame. Her late husband, Clarence Pinkston, was also an Olympic diving champion, and together they formed a formidable duo. Betty Becker Pinkston was the first of many Olympic champions that Clarence Pinkston would go on to coach, making them a formidable force in both swimming and diving.
Betty Becker Pinkston’s love for the sport, coupled with her dedication and talent, propelled her to historic accomplishments that broke barriers for women in athletics. She will always be remembered as a pioneering figure in the world of swimming and diving, leaving an indelible mark on women’s sports history.
Awards:
-Olympic Games:
-1924 gold medal in the 3-meter springboard event
-1924 silver medal in the 10-meter platform competition
-1928 gold medal in the 10-meter platform event
-National Championships:
-1-meter and 3-meter springboard titles
-Middle Atlantic State Championship:
-Age 15