Born: 8 March 1916 (Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France)
Died: 15 January 2003 (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Biography:
Jeannette Morven Campbell (8 March 1916 – 15 January 2003) was a naturalized Argentine swimmer who made history as the first Argentine female to participate in the Olympic Games. Born in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France, while her parents were traveling through Europe, Campbell’s life was destined to be intertwined with swimming from an early age.
Campbell’s older sister, Dorothy, was already making waves in the swimming world as Argentina’s 100 meter freestyle champion. Inspired by her sister’s success, Jeannette followed in her footsteps and soon became the Argentine record holder in the 100 meter freestyle event, with a remarkable 1:18:6 time, in 1932.
The following year, in 1933, Campbell’s swimming prowess continued to flourish as she broke the South American record in the 100 meter freestyle, with a time of 1:08:0. Additionally, she also became the South American record holder in the 400 meter freestyle event. These achievements marked the beginning of Campbell’s ascent to international swimming stardom.
In 1936, Campbell represented Argentina in the Summer Olympics held in Berlin. In the semifinals of the 100 meter freestyle event, she made history by breaking the Olympic record with an impressive time of 1:06:6. This remarkable accomplishment solidified her position as a top contender for the gold medal. In the final, Campbell displayed unparalleled skill and determination, finishing second to the Netherlands’ Hendrika Mastenbroek with a time of 1:06:4, thereby securing the silver medal and etching her name in Olympic history.
Campbell’s achievements extended beyond the Olympic Games. She represented Argentina as the flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the 1964 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo, Japan, showcasing her continued dedication and commitment to the sport of swimming.
Throughout her career, Campbell was not only a national icon but also a trailblazer for women’s sports in South America. During the 1930s, women’s sports in the region were still in their infancy, and Campbell’s accomplishments helped pave the way for future generations of female athletes.
In recognition of her incredible contributions to the sport, Campbell was inducted into the Argentine Swimming Hall of Fame. She joined the ranks of other legendary Argentine swimmers, such as Alberto Zorrilla, the 1928 400 meter champion. Campbell’s impact on Argentine swimming was immeasurable, and her name will forever be associated with excellence and perseverance.
Jeannette Campbell passed away in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 2003. She was not only an exceptional athlete but also a loving wife to Roberto Peper and a devoted mother of two daughters, Inés and Susana, and a son, Roberto Jr. Her legacy lives on as an inspiration for future generations of swimmers, particularly women, who continue to break barriers and achieve greatness in the world of sports.
Awards:
– Silver medal in the 100 meter freestyle at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin