Born: 1919 (Rotterdam, Netherlands)
Died: 2003 (Rotterdam, Netherlands)
Biography:
Hendrika Rie Wilhelmina Mastenbroek, born on February 26, 1919, in Rotterdam, was a Dutch swimmer and a triple Olympic champion. Her remarkable achievements and contributions to the world of swimming have made her a prominent figure in women’s sports history.
Mastenbroek first began her swimming career under the coaching of Ma Braun, who had previously coached her daughter to an Olympic gold medal in 1928. With Braun’s guidance, Mastenbroek quickly developed her skills and showcased her extraordinary talent.
In 1934, at the age of fifteen, Mastenbroek made her mark on the international stage by winning three gold medals and a silver at the European Championships. Her outstanding performances in the 100m freestyle, 400m freestyle, and 4x100m freestyle relay affirmed her position as a rising star in the swimming community.
The pinnacle of Mastenbroek’s career came in 1936 when she represented the Netherlands at the Summer Olympics in Berlin, at the young age of seventeen. It was here that she left an indelible mark on the history of women’s sports by winning three Olympic gold medals. In the 100m freestyle and 400m freestyle, she displayed her exceptional speed and endurance, outclassing her competitors. Mastenbroek also contributed to the success of the Dutch team in the 4x100m freestyle relay, securing another gold medal for her country.
Although she narrowly missed out on an individual gold in the 100m backstroke, finishing second to her teammate Nida Senff, Mastenbroek’s performance was admirable. Senff had inadvertently missed a turning point during the race, necessitating her to swim back before completing the final 50m. Despite Senff’s setback, she managed to surpass Mastenbroek with an outstanding final leg. Nevertheless, Mastenbroek’s achievements at the Olympics firmly established her as one of the world’s greatest swimmers.
Following her success at the Olympics, Mastenbroek faced a turning point in her career. In 1937, she made the decision to become a swimming instructor, resulting in the loss of her amateur status and rendering her ineligible to compete in future competitions. Despite this limitation, her influence on the swimming community continued to flourish through her dedication to teaching and coaching aspiring swimmers.
During her illustrious career, Mastenbroek broke a total of nine world records, with six for backstroke and three for freestyle. Her remarkable performances not only elevated her own stature but also brought attention to the sport of swimming.
In recognition of her contributions and achievements, Mastenbroek was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1968, cementing her legacy as one of the world’s greatest swimmers. In 1997, she received the prestigious Olympic Order, further emphasizing her impact on the Olympic movement and her lasting influence on the world of sports.
Hendrika Mastenbroek passed away on November 6, 2003, in Rotterdam at the age of 84. Her legacy lives on, and her impact continues to be felt in the world of swimming. In honor of her remarkable achievements, the Rie Mastenbroek Trophy was named after her by Stichting Aquarius after her death.
Awards:
– Olympic gold medalist in the 100m freestyle, 400m freestyle, and 4x100m freestyle relay (1936)
– European Championships gold medalist in the 100m freestyle, 400m freestyle, and 4x100m freestyle relay (1934)
– Inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame (1968)
– Received the Olympic Order (1997)