Born: 1895 (Stockholm, Sweden)
Biography:
Greta Johanson Brandsten, born Anna Teresa Margareta Johansson on January 9, 1895, was a Swedish diver and swimmer who made history as the first Olympic diving champion in 1912. She was born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden, where she developed a passion for swimming and diving at an early age. Johansson’s journey to becoming an Olympic champion began in Stockholm’s municipal baths, where she learned to swim and dive using free tickets provided by her public school. This was a common practice at the time, as all Swedish children were required to learn these essential skills.
In 1910, at the age of 15, Johansson won her first Swedish national title in the breaststroke event. The following year, in 1911, she continued to showcase her talent by winning the national titles in the 100m freestyle and high diving. These victories solidified her position as one of Sweden’s top swimmers and divers.
The pinnacle of Johansson’s career came in 1912 when she competed in the Summer Olympics held in her home city of Stockholm. This Olympiad was significant because it marked the first time women were allowed to participate in diving events. With her fearless dives and impeccable technique, Johansson emerged as the gold medalist in the 10m platform event. Her achievement made her a national hero and a trailblazer for women in the world of competitive diving. When King Gustav V presented her with her Olympic gold medal and laurel wreath, the home crowd erupted in thunderous applause, an honor usually reserved for the most exceptional athletes.
Following her triumph at the Olympics, Johansson continued to make a name for herself in the field of swimming and diving. In 1913, she emigrated to the United States and initially worked as a shop assistant. However, her passion for her sport did not diminish, and she soon found herself reunited with her fellow Swedish diver, Ernst Brandsten, whom she married. The couple began coaching and training divers at Stanford University from 1915 to 1948. They also operated the popular sports recreation destination, Searsville Lake Park.
Greta Johansson Brandsten’s remarkable contributions to the world of swimming and diving were recognized with her induction into the International Swimming Hall of Fame. In 1973, she was honored as a diver, while her husband Ernst was inducted as a diving coach in 1966. This prestigious acknowledgment solidified their status as legendary figures in the sport.
Johansson’s accomplishments extended beyond her personal achievements. As the first female Olympic diving champion, she inspired countless athletes and broke barriers for women in sports. Her courage and skill set the stage for generations of female divers to come. She will forever be remembered as a trailblazer and a symbol of women’s empowerment.
Awards:
– Olympic Games gold medal in the 10m platform (1912)
– Winner of the Countess de Casa Miranda Cup (Kristina Nilsson)
– Swedish National Champion in breaststroke, 100m freestyle, and high diving (1910 and 1911)
– Inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame as a diver (1973)