Born: 1927 (Copenhagen, Denmark)
Died: 2023
Biography:
Greta Marie Andersen (married names Jeppesen and Sonnichsen and Veress, 1 May 1927 – 6 February 2023) was a Danish swimmer who made a significant impact on the world of swimming during her career. She was born in Copenhagen on May 1, 1927, to Mourits Peter Andersen and Charlotte Emerentze Benedikte Nielsen. Her passion for swimming began at the age of 16 when she joined a local swimming club, while also participating in gymnastics.
Andersen’s first taste of international success came in 1947 when she won two European medals at her debut competition. Her true breakthrough, however, came in 1948, at the London Olympics. She stunned the world by winning a gold medal in the 100m freestyle event and adding a silver medal in the 4 × 100m freestyle relay. Unfortunately, in the 400m freestyle race, unbeknownst to her, an injection her coach had given her to delay her period caused sudden stomach cramps, leading her to faint. Luckily, she was rescued from drowning by fellow competitors Nancy Lees and Elemér Szathmáry. This episode highlights the fortitude and determination that defined Andersen’s character.
In 1949, Andersen established herself as a world record holder by setting a new record in the 100-yard freestyle at 58.2 seconds – a record that remained unbroken for seven years. Throughout her career in Europe, she continued to accumulate accolades, including nine individual Danish titles, multiple team titles, and four individual Scandinavian titles.
In 1952, Andersen participated in the Olympics once again, but a recent knee surgery left her unable to use one leg, hindering her chances of winning medals. Despite this setback, she showcased her strength and perseverance by finishing in fourth place in the 4 × 100m freestyle relay.
In the mid-1950s, Andersen embarked on a new chapter in her life by moving to the United States, specifically to Long Beach, California. There, she embraced the challenge of marathon swimming and quickly established herself as a formidable force. In 1958, she became the first person to complete a double crossing of the Santa Catalina Channel, swimming both ways. This extraordinary feat showcased Andersen’s endurance and determination, earning her global recognition. She went on to set world records in distances ranging from 10 to 50 miles.
Perhaps Andersen’s most remarkable achievement was her dominance of the English Channel. Between 1957 and 1965, she successfully crossed the treacherous waters of the Channel six times. She not only earned the record for the most Channel swims by a woman but also set a speed record for women, completing the crossing in an impressive time of 10 hours and 59 minutes in 1958. In 1964, she embarked on an ambitious challenge, attempting to swim forth and back across the Channel but had to end her attempt after spending 23 grueling hours in the water. This unofficially marked the longest Channel swim ever attempted by a woman.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the world of swimming, Greta Andersen was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) in 1969. Her accomplishments were further honored in 2015 when ISHOF presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Beyond her remarkable swimming career, Andersen’s personal life was also marked by significant moments. Following a prior marriage that ended in divorce, she married John Sonnichsen in Long Beach in 1957, with whom she opened a swimming school. Andersen truly embodied the spirit of determination and perseverance, not only in the pool but also in her personal life.
Greta Andersen’s legacy as a groundbreaking swimmer and her unwavering dedication to the sport will forever inspire future generations of swimmers and athletes. Her story serves as a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of excellence.
Awards:
– Gold medal in the 100m freestyle at the 1948 Summer Olympics
– Silver medal in the 4 × 100m freestyle relay at the 1948 Summer Olympics
– Inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1969
– Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 2015