Born: 1946
Biography:
Kathleen Ellis, born on November 28, 1946, is an American former competition swimmer, two-time Olympic champion, and former world record-holder in three events. Her remarkable career in swimming made her a trailblazer for future female athletes.
Ellis’s journey to success began at a young age when she trained under the guidance of Coach Gene Lee at the Indianapolis Athletic Club. Even in her early teens, it was evident that she possessed natural talent and determination. At the age of 14, Ellis made her mark by winning her first National Championships in the 100-yard butterfly event in 1961.
Her prowess in both freestyle and butterfly strokes set her apart from her competitors. In 1963, at just 16 years old, Ellis clinched the Gold Medal in the 100-meter butterfly at the Pan American Games in Sao Paulo, Brazil. She also secured a bronze medal in the 100-meter freestyle, showcasing her versatility in multiple events.
The following year, 1964, would prove to be Ellis’s most successful year. Representing the United States at the 15th Olympiad in Tokyo, she demonstrated her exceptional skills once again. As a member of the women’s 4×100-meter freestyle relay and the women’s 4×100-meter medley relay, Ellis contributed significantly to the team’s success, earning two gold medals. These victories not only brought glory to her country but also set new world record finishes.
Individually, she further added to her Olympic medal tally, securing bronze medals in both the women’s 100-meter freestyle and women’s 100-meter butterfly events. Ellis’s achievements at the 1964 Olympics solidified her status as a world-class swimmer and a national hero.
After the Olympics, Ellis decided to retire from competitive swimming to pursue her education. She enrolled at Indiana University, but her love for the sport eventually drew her back. In 1977, she returned to swimming, this time as a coach for the Riviera Team. Ellis took on the coaching position following the untimely death of her coach, showcasing her dedication to the sport that had shaped her life.
Breaking barriers once again, Ellis went on to assume the coaching position of the men’s team at Butler University, a rare accomplishment for a woman in a Division I school. Her impact and influence extended beyond her own accomplishments. Ellis’s coaching career allowed her to shape the lives of aspiring swimmers and serve as a mentor and role model for future generations.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the sport of swimming, Kathleen Ellis was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame as an Honor Swimmer in 1991. Her dedication, determination, and remarkable achievements continue to inspire and pave the way for women in the realm of competitive swimming.
Awards:
– Two-time Olympic champion
– Inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame as an Honor Swimmer in 1991.