Born: 1906 (New York City)
Died: 1965
Biography:
Helen E. Wainwright (March 15, 1906 – October 11, 1965), also known by her married name Helen Stelling, was a competition diver and swimmer who represented the United States at the 1920 Summer Olympics and 1924 Summer Olympics. She remains the only woman to ever win Olympic silver medals in both swimming and diving.
Helen Wainwright was born on March 15, 1906, in New York City. She was the daughter of John Wainwright, a bricklayer from Lancaster, England, who had emigrated to the United States in 1888. From a young age, Wainwright displayed a natural talent and passion for swimming. She joined the Women’s Swimming Association (WSA) of New York, where she honed her skills under the guidance of renowned swimming coach Louis de B. Handley.
Wainwright quickly established herself as one of the best swimmers of her time. Coach Handley proclaimed her as the world’s fastest swimmer, and she went on to win numerous gold medals in U.S. national championships. Out of the 19 gold medals she earned, 17 were for swimming events, and the remaining two were for diving.
At the age of just 14, Wainwright made her Olympic debut at the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp. She surprised everyone by winning the silver medal in the women’s 3-meter springboard diving competition. Her skill and grace in the pool earned her widespread acclaim, and she became a role model for aspiring female athletes.
Four years later, Wainwright competed in the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris. This time, she participated in the women’s 400-meter freestyle swimming event and once again claimed the silver medal. Her remarkable achievement of winning Olympic silver medals in both swimming and diving remains unmatched by any other woman in history.
In addition to her Olympic success, Wainwright achieved an extraordinary feat in swimming. On August 19, 1922, she set a world record in the women’s 1500 meters freestyle event, which stood unbroken for over three years. Her exceptional performance solidified her reputation as one of the greatest swimmers of her time.
After the 1924 Olympics, Wainwright joined fellow Olympians Aileen Riggin and Gertrude Ederle in a series of swimming-and-diving shows at the renowned New York Hippodrome. The trio later embarked on a nationwide tour, performing in some of the biggest theaters across the United States. They captivated audiences with their incredible skills and athleticism, using a portable water tank for their performances.
Wainwright’s ambition to become the first woman to swim the English Channel was tragically thwarted. In 1925, the Women’s Swimming Association selected her to make the daring crossing, but an injury forced her to withdraw from the attempt. Her teammate Gertrude Ederle ultimately made history as the first woman to successfully swim the English Channel.
In the 1930s, Wainwright transitioned from competitive swimming to become a swimming coach on cruise liners based out of New York. She shared her knowledge and expertise with aspiring swimmers, inspiring the next generation of athletes.
Helen Wainwright’s remarkable achievements and contributions to the world of swimming were recognized when she was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1972. Her legacy continues to inspire women and athletes around the world, as she remains a symbol of determination, resilience, and excellence in the field of sports.
Awards:
– Olympic Silver Medalist (1920, Women’s 3-meter springboard diving)
– Olympic Silver Medalist (1924, Women’s 400-meter freestyle swimming)
– World Record Holder (Women’s 1500 meters freestyle swimming, 1922)