Born: 1907 (Chicago, Illinois)
Died: 1979 (Newbury Park, California)
Ethel Minnie Lackie was an American competition swimmer, Olympic champion, and world record-holder. She was born on February 10, 1907, in Chicago, Illinois. Lackie represented the United States at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, where she achieved remarkable success in the swimming events.
Individually, Lackie won a gold medal in the women’s 100-meter freestyle, finishing with a time of 1:12.4. Her victory not only earned her a place at the top of the podium but also led to an American medal sweep of the event. Lackie’s exceptional speed and technique made her the dominant force in the pool.
In addition to her individual success, Lackie also contributed to the United States’ triumph in the women’s 4×100-meter freestyle relay. She formed part of the first-place U.S. team, along with her teammates Euphrasia Donnelly, Gertrude Ederle, and Mariechen Wehselau. The American relay team set a new world record of 4:58.8 in the event final, solidifying their dominance in the relay competition.
Following her retirement from swimming, Lackie married Bill Watkins, a rower from the Santa Monica area. Together, they started a new chapter in their lives. Lackie’s passion for swimming remained, and she continued to inspire young athletes with her remarkable achievements and love for the sport.
In recognition of her exceptional contributions to swimming, Ethel Lackie was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1969. This prestigious honor is a testament to her skill, dedication, and impact on the world of competitive swimming.
Ethel Lackie passed away on December 15, 1979, in Newbury Park, California. Her legacy lives on, not only as an Olympic champion but also as a pioneer for women in swimming. Lackie’s achievements have paved the way for future generations of female swimmers, inspiring them to strive for greatness and push the boundaries of what is possible in the sport.
Awards:
– Olympic gold medal in the women’s 100-meter freestyle (1924)
– Olympic gold medal as part of the U.S. team in the women’s 4×100-meter freestyle relay (1924)
– Inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame (1969)