Born: 1923 (Freeport, New York)
Died: 2016
Gloria Marie Callen (December 21, 1923 – September 2, 2016) was an American backstroke swimmer. She was born in 1923 in Freeport, New York. Callen’s swimming career began to take off in her high school years when she set six American records in one day in March at the Madison Square Boy’s Club, breaking one of Eleanor Holm’s records among others. Her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport led her to win the Indoor Nationals in Detroit in April and the Outdoor Nationals for three consecutive years, this time at Neenah, Wisconsin. In addition to her remarkable achievements in the pool, Callen was elected as the first woman president of the senior class at Nyack High School in June.
Callen’s swimming prowess continued to flourish as she set 35 American records and one world record in her career. She became known as one of the row of glamorous swimming champions of her time and was even voted one of America’s 13 best-dressed women by the New York’s Fashion Academy. Her first championship was in the National Long Distance Three Mile Swim in 1938 at Clemonton Lake, N.Y. Shortly after this, she transitioned from freestyle to backstroke, where she remained undefeated until her retirement from competitive swimming.
Despite her undeniable talent, Callen’s dreams of competing in world championships or the Olympic Games were dashed due to the outbreak of World War II. Although she qualified for the 1940 Summer Olympics, the cancellation of the Games left her without an opportunity to showcase her abilities on the international stage. Despite this disappointment, Callen’s impact on the world of swimming was undeniable.
After retiring from swimming, Callen enrolled at Barnard College and joined the American Women’s Voluntary Services. Her commitment to service and dedication to making a difference in her community exemplified her character both in and out of the pool.
Gloria Callen’s remarkable achievements and contributions to the world of swimming were recognized through several prestigious honors. In 1942, she was named the Associated Press Athlete of the Year, solidifying her status as one of the most remarkable athletes of her time. In 1976, Callen was inducted into the Rockland County Sports Hall of Fame, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in the world of sports. Finally, in 1984, she was honored by the International Swimming Hall of Fame as the recipient of the Honor Swimmer award.
Gloria Callen’s dedication, talent, and impact on the world of swimming have left an indelible mark on the sport. Her achievements serve as an inspiration to future generations of athletes, and her legacy as one of America’s greatest swimmers will continue to be celebrated.