Born: 1913 (Brooklyn, New York)
Died: 2004
Biography:
Eleanor G. Holm (December 6, 1913 – January 31, 2004) was an American competition swimmer and Olympic gold medalist. She had a remarkable career both in and out of the pool, and her life was filled with achievements, challenges, and controversies.
Holm was born in Brooklyn, New York, to a firefighter father and had a cousin who played basketball professionally. She discovered her love for swimming at a young age and quickly excelled in the sport. At just 13 years old, she won her first national swimming title and caught the attention of sports enthusiasts. Her talent and dedication led to her selection to compete in the 1928 Summer Olympics, where she finished fifth in her specialty, the 100-meter backstroke.
Despite not winning a medal in her first Olympics, Holm’s potential was evident. She was not discouraged by her performance and continued to work hard to improve her skills. Her determination paid off when she participated in the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. During the Games, she won the gold medal in her favorite event, the 100-meter backstroke. Her win was even more significant as the defending champion, Marie Braun, had to withdraw from the final due to an insect bite.
Holm’s success in swimming opened doors beyond the pool. Her talent and charm caught the attention of Hollywood. Soon after her Olympic victory, she embarked on a career in show business. Holm received offers from major studios like Warner Bros., MGM, and Paramount, and she quickly became a sought-after actress. In 1932, she was chosen as one of the 14 girls named as WAMPAS Baby Stars, alongside other notable actresses like Ginger Rogers and Gloria Stuart. Holm’s acting career took her on a barnstorming trip across the country to publicize the movie musical 42nd Street and support President Franklin D. Roosevelt at his first inauguration in 1933.
During this time, Holm married her first husband, Art Jarrett, a fellow graduate of Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn. Jarrett was a singer and bandleader at the Cocoanut Grove nightclub. Holm even performed with his band, showcasing her versatility and talent. However, their marriage was short-lived, and the couple divorced after just three years.
In 1936, Holm qualified to compete in the Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany. However, her journey to the Olympics was marred by controversy. On the way to Germany, Holm attended a party aboard the SS Manhattan, where she consumed excessive amounts of alcohol. The team doctor later found her in a state approaching a coma, and she was diagnosed with acute alcoholism. Holm faced serious consequences for her behavior, and Avery Brundage, the president of the U.S. Olympic Committee, expelled her from the Olympic team.
Despite this setback, Holm’s life took a new direction. She embraced her newfound fame and transitioned into a high-profile career as a socialite and interior designer. Her charm, beauty, and vibrant personality made her a well-known figure in New York society. Holm’s talent and eye for design led her to establish a successful career, creating exquisite interiors for prominent individuals and institutions.
In addition to her interior design work, Holm also found success in the film industry. She co-starred in the Hollywood movie Tarzan’s Revenge, adding another dimension to her multifaceted career. Holm remained active in various endeavors and continued to make headlines throughout her life.
Eleanor Holm’s contributions to the world of swimming, entertainment, and design are part of her enduring legacy. Her achievements in the pool and her subsequent accomplishments as a socialite and interior designer highlight her determination, talent, and zest for life. Despite the controversies she faced, Holm’s story serves as a reminder of the complexities individuals face while pursuing their dreams.
Awards:
– Olympic gold medal for the 100-meter backstroke at the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles