Born: 1955 (Curacao, West Indies)
Biography:
Enith Sijtje Maria Brigitha, born on April 15, 1955, is a former leading competitive swimmer who made a significant impact in the 1970s. She represented the Netherlands twice at the Summer Olympics, with her first appearance in 1972 in Munich, West Germany. Brigitha’s remarkable swimming abilities led her to win two bronze medals at the 1976 Olympic Games held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, specifically in the women’s 100m and 200m freestyle events. She achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first black athlete to secure a swimming medal at the Olympic Games.
Enith Brigitha’s achievements and dedication to her sport earned her the coveted title of Dutch Sportswoman of the Year twice, in 1973 and 1974, highlighting her dominant presence in Dutch swimming during this period. Her success and perseverance in the face of adversity made her an influential figure in women’s history, inspiring others to pursue their dreams and excel in their chosen fields.
However, Brigitha’s path to success was not without its challenges. The 1976 Olympics, in particular, shed light on the East Germany doping controversy, bringing attention to systematic doping practices employed by the nation’s athletes. In the 100m freestyle event, Brigitha finished behind two swimmers from East Germany, casting doubt on the integrity of the competition. Many athletes, including American Shirley Babashoff, who herself would have earned three individual gold medals if not for the East Germans, have since called for Brigitha to be officially awarded the gold medal in the 100m freestyle and the silver medal in the 200m freestyle. Brigitha herself believes she is a gold medal winner, acknowledging the injustice caused by the East German athletes’ doping activities.
Born on the West Indian Island of Curacao, Enith Brigitha developed her passion for swimming from an early age, learning to swim in the pristine waters of the Caribbean Sea. In 1970, she moved to Holland with her mother and brother, and by then, she had already established herself as the most promising swimmer from her home island. Upon her arrival in the Netherlands, Brigitha continued her training under the guidance of Coach Willie Storm at the Club Het Y in Amsterdam.
Brigitha’s debut at the 1972 Munich Olympics marked the beginning of her ascent to greatness. Despite fierce competition, she reached the finals in four events, showcasing her remarkable skills. Her true breakthrough came at the inaugural FINA World Championships in Belgrade in 1973, where she secured a silver medal in the 200m backstroke and a bronze medal in the 100m freestyle. Her performance at the 1974 European Championships was equally impressive, winning five medals, including four individual medals in the 100m and 200m freestyle and backstroke events.
Continuing her streak of success, Brigitha claimed three bronze medals at the II FINA World Championships in Cali, Colombia, in 1975, including individual accolades in the 100m and 200m freestyle events. Her remarkable achievements made her a genuine superstar in an era dominated by women swimmers from the German Democratic Republic. Brigitha’s talent and determination resulted in her earning individual bronze medals in both the 100m and 200m freestyle events at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. In 1977, she won a silver medal in the 100m freestyle at the European Championships.
Throughout her career, Enith Brigitha set five short course world records and clinched 21 Dutch titles in various swimming disciplines, including freestyle, backstroke, medley, and butterfly events. Brigitha’s dominance was evident in her unprecedented seven consecutive Dutch 100m freestyle titles. Her achievements not only brought recognition to Dutch swimming but also served as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes across the globe.
Awards:
– 1973 Dutch Sportswoman of the Year
– 1974 Dutch Sportswoman of the Year