Born: 1947 (unknown location)
Biography:
Donna de Varona Pinto OLY (née Donna Elizabeth de Varona; born April 26, 1947) is an American former competition swimmer, activist, and television sportscaster.
Swimming Career:
In 1960, de Varona made history by qualifying for the U.S. Olympic swimming team at the young age of 13. She had already established herself as a record-breaking swimmer, holding the world record in the 400-meter individual medley. However, the event was not included in the Olympic schedule until the 1964 Games in Tokyo. At the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, De Varona swam for the U.S. team in the preliminary heats of the women’s 4×100 freestyle relay, but she did not receive a gold medal as she didn’t swim in the event final.
Four years later, at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, de Varona solidified her status as one of the greatest swimmers of her time. With a total of eighteen world best times and world records to her name, she won the gold medal in the women’s 400-meter individual medley, finishing six seconds ahead of the second-place swimmer and setting a new Olympic record. She also earned a second gold medal as a member of the world-record-setting U.S. team in the 4×100-meter freestyle relay. De Varona’s outstanding performances and record-breaking achievements made her a celebrated athlete of her era.
In addition to her exceptional swimming career, De Varona graced the covers of prestigious magazines such as Sports Illustrated, Look, and Life in 1964. The Associated Press and United Press International recognized her remarkable talent and named her the most outstanding woman athlete in the world.
Professional Life:
After retiring from swimming, De Varona ventured into the male-dominated world of sports broadcasting. At the age of 17, she made history once again by becoming one of the first women sportscasters for a national network, appearing on ABC’s Wide World of Sports. Her groundbreaking career paved the way for future generations of female sportscasters. Throughout her career, De Varona covered an impressive array of sports events, including 17 winter and summer Olympic Games. Her dedication and talent in the field of sports broadcasting earned her numerous accolades, including an Emmy and two Gracie awards.
Aside from her television career, De Varona began advocating for sports and fitness opportunities for America’s youth in Washington, D.C. She dedicated herself to public service and served five terms on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Her expertise and commitment also led to appointments on Presidential Commissions under presidents Ford, Carter, Reagan, Clinton, and Bush.
As a consultant to the United States Senate, she played a pivotal role in the passage of the 1978 Amateur Sports Act, which restructured the governance of Olympic sports in the United States. Her expertise was further utilized in amendments to the landmark Olympic legislation, and she worked diligently to protect and promote Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, which ensured equal opportunities for men and women in education and sports.
Donna DeVarona’s relentless pursuit of excellence, both in and out of the pool, not only made her a trailblazer for women in sports broadcasting but also a dedicated advocate for equality in sports. Her contributions to women’s history and the empowerment of young athletes have left an indelible mark on society.
Awards:
– Olympic gold medal in the women’s 400-meter individual medley at the 1964 Summer Olympics
– Olympic gold medal as a member of the world-record-setting U.S. team in the 4×100-meter freestyle relay
– Associated Press and United Press International Most Outstanding Woman Athlete in the World
– Emmy award for her exceptional work as a television sportscaster
– Two Gracie awards for her groundbreaking contributions to sports broadcasting