Born: 1921 (Netherlands)
Biography:
Irène Iet Maria Jo Arnoldina van Feggelen, commonly known as Let van Feggelen, was a Dutch backstroke swimmer who left a lasting impact on the world of swimming and synchronized swimming. Born on August 20, 1921, in the Netherlands, she grew up in a family with a deep love for swimming. Her father, Mr. G.J.M. van Feggelen, was the head of the local swimming club De Meeuwen Diemen and introduced her to the sport at a young age.
Van Feggelen quickly showed exceptional talent in backstroke, but due to her young age and the strong competition in this discipline in the Netherlands during the 1930s to 1950s, she was not selected for the 1936 Olympics. Undeterred by this setback, she remained dedicated to swimming, even when the outbreak of World War II put her Olympic dreams on hold.
In February 1938, at the age of 16, Van Feggelen set her first world record in backstroke. Just a few months later, she won a silver medal in the 100m backstroke at the 1938 European Aquatics Championships, finishing second to another talented Dutch swimmer, Cor Kint. Over the next few years, she continued to break records and solidified her position as one of the top backstroke swimmers in the world. By the end of 1938, she had set a total of five world records in a remarkable four-week span.
Despite the challenges and uncertainty of the war years, Van Feggelen continued to compete in swimming and even played water polo at times. She won the national 100m backstroke titles from 1941 to 1943. In 1943, she married Ko Koster, a water polo player, further strengthening her ties to the sport.
In 1947, Van Feggelen’s career took another upward turn. Within a week in April and May, she set two world records in medley relay events and later won a bronze medal in the 100m backstroke at the 1947 European Aquatics Championships. Her performances during this period highlighted her exceptional skills and determination.
Van Feggelen’s interest in synchronized swimming was piqued during a tour of the United States with Nel van Vliet in 1947. After the birth of her second son in 1948, she retired from competitive swimming but channeled her passion into coaching. She became a coach in both conventional and synchronized swimming and played a crucial role in popularizing the latter in Europe.
From the late 1950s to the 1970s, Van Feggelen served as a national team coach, dedicating approximately 20 years to nurturing and training young swimmers. Her efforts not only produced successful athletes but also contributed to the growth and development of synchronized swimming as a sport in Europe.
In recognition of her outstanding achievements and contributions to the world of swimming, Let van Feggelen was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 2009. Her career, though tempered by the challenges of war, leaves a lasting legacy and serves as an inspiration for future generations of swimmers.
Awards:
– Inductee into the International Swimming Hall of Fame (2009)