Born: 1944 (California, United States)
Biography:
Susan Christina von Saltza, better known as Chris von Saltza, was born on January 13, 1944, in California, United States. She is an American former competition swimmer, Olympic champion, and former world record-holder in four events. Von Saltza began her swimming career at a young age as a member of the Santa Clara Swim Club, coached by George Haines. Under his guidance, she achieved remarkable success and led the club to multiple team championships at the national level.
At just 14 years old, von Saltza caught the attention of the swimming world when she appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine on July 21, 1958, being hailed as the No. 1 U.S. Swimmer at the Age of 14. Her natural talent and dedication to the sport were evident at such a young age.
By the age of 16, von Saltza had already made a name for herself in the swimming community. She set a world record in the 400-meter freestyle at the U.S. Olympic trials, earning her a spot on the United States Olympic team. This was a remarkable achievement considering her age and the stiff competition she faced.
At the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, von Saltza showcased her exceptional talent and determination. She won a total of four medals, solidifying her place as one of the best swimmers of her time. In the women’s 400-meter freestyle, she claimed the gold medal, and in the 100-meter freestyle, she earned a silver medal.
Furthermore, von Saltza contributed to the success of the United States teams in the women’s 4×100-meter freestyle relay and 4×100-meter medley relay, also securing gold medals for her country. Both relay teams set new world records in their respective events, highlighting von Saltza’s ability to work cohesively with her teammates and perform at the highest level.
Prior to her Olympic triumph, von Saltza had already proven herself as a force to be reckoned with in the swimming world. In 1959, at the Pan American Games, she won a staggering five gold medals. She emerged victorious in the 100-, 200-, and 400-meter freestyle events, as well as the 4×100-meter freestyle and 4×100-meter medley relays. Von Saltza’s dominance and versatility in multiple swimming disciplines set her apart from her peers.
After the Olympics, von Saltza enrolled at Stanford University to pursue an education. Despite her exceptional talent, she faced a challenge due to the lack of women’s swimming and diving teams at major American universities before the implementation of Title IX. Consequently, von Saltza effectively retired from competitive swimming after the 1960 Olympics but continued to impart her knowledge and expertise in the sport.
Outside of swimming, von Saltza’s heritage adds a unique aspect to her identity. She is properly styled as the Baroness von Saltza due to her grandfather, Count Philip von Saltza, who immigrated to the United States in the early 1900s. Her title is duly recognized in the Who’s Who of Swedish Nobility, representing her lineage and remarkable family history.
In recognition of her exceptional swimming career, von Saltza was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame as an Honor Swimmer in 1966. Her achievements and contributions to the sport will forever be remembered and celebrated.
Awards:
– Olympic gold medal in women’s 400-meter freestyle
– Olympic silver medal in women’s 100-meter freestyle
– Olympic gold medal in women’s 4×100-meter freestyle relay
– Olympic gold medal in women’s 4×100-meter medley relay
– Multiple team championships at the nationals with Santa Clara Swim Club
– Nineteen individual Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) titles
– Five gold medals at the 1959 Pan American Games in various events.