Born: July 17, 1915 (United States)
Died: May 18, 1995
Biography:
Dorothy Poynton-Hill (née Poynton, later Teuber; July 17, 1915 – May 18, 1995) was an American diver who competed at the 1928, 1932, and 1936 Summer Olympics. Known for her exceptional diving skills, she left a lasting impact on the sport and became an inspiration to future generations of female divers.
Born on July 17, 1915, in the United States, Dorothy Poynton showed great promise in diving from a young age. At just 12 years old, she competed in her first Olympic Games in Amsterdam in 1928, becoming the youngest Olympian to win a medal. She won a silver medal in the 3 m springboard event, showcasing her natural talent and determination.
In the following years, Poynton continued to hone her skills and solidify her place in diving history. At the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, she achieved a remarkable feat by winning the gold medal in the 10 m platform event. This accomplishment made her the first woman to win the 10 m platform diving gold medal in Olympic history. Poynton’s outstanding performances did not stop there.
Four years later, at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Poynton created history once again by winning the gold medal in the 10 m platform event for the second consecutive time. This made her the first Olympic diver, male or female, to win the 10 m platform event twice. Additionally, she also won a bronze medal in the 3 m springboard event, further cementing her status as one of the most accomplished divers of her time.
Throughout her career, Poynton-Hill demonstrated remarkable consistency and resilience. Her outstanding achievements in the world of diving earned her a place among the greatest athletes of her era. In recognition of her contributions to the sport, Dorothy Poynton-Hill was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1968.
Following her retirement from competitive diving, Poynton-Hill turned her attention towards nurturing the next generation of divers. She ran an aquatic club in Los Angeles, where she imparted her knowledge and skills to aspiring divers. Her dedication and expertise helped shape the future of diving in the United States.
Poynton-Hill’s influence extended beyond the diving community. She appeared in several TV commercials, captivating audiences with her talent and grace. Her presence on screen reminded people of her achievements and the impact she had on the sport.
Motivated by her love for diving and her desire to share her passion with others, Poynton-Hill dedicated her life to teaching swimming and diving at her own Dorothy Poynton Aquatic Club in Los Angeles. Through her coaching, she continued to inspire and mentor future generations of divers, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport she loved so dearly.
Dorothy Poynton-Hill’s contributions to women’s history and her role as a trailblazer in the sport of diving cannot be overstated. She paved the way for aspiring female divers and shattered gender barriers in a time when women’s participation in sports was still limited. Her accomplishments continue to inspire young girls around the world to pursue their dreams fearlessly, proving that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
Awards:
– Olympic Games 1928: Silver (3 m springboard)
– Olympic Games 1932: Gold (10 m platform)
– Olympic Games 1936: Gold (10 m platform), Bronze (3 m springboard)