Born: 1915 (São Paulo, Brazil)
Died: 2007 (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
Biography:
Maria Emma Hulga Lenk, born on January 15, 1915, was a Brazilian swimmer and a trailblazer for women in sports. She holds the distinction of being the first South American woman to participate in the Summer Olympic Games, representing Brazil in 1932 at the Games held in Los Angeles. Lenk’s remarkable journey in the world of swimming began in São Paulo, where she became the first Brazilian swimmer to set a world record.
On November 8, 1939, in Rio de Janeiro, Lenk achieved a time of 2:56.0 in the 200m breaststroke event, surpassing Jopie Waalberg’s previous record of 2:56.9. This breakthrough moment made her a record-holder for almost five years until Nel van Vliet from the Netherlands broke it on August 17, 1946, with a time of 2:52.6. In that same year, Lenk also set a new world record for the discontinued 400m breaststroke category, finishing with an impressive time of 6:15.8.
Lenk’s talent and determination led her to the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, where she showcased her skills by reaching the semifinals of the 200m breaststroke event. However, her impact went beyond her accomplishments in competition. During this Olympics, Lenk became the first woman in the world to swim the Butterfly stroke in an official competition. At the time, the Butterfly stroke was considered a variation of the Breaststroke, and Lenk’s adoption of this technique marked a significant moment in the evolution of swimming styles.
As Lenk’s career progressed, her goal of winning an Olympic medal was tragically shattered by the outbreak of World War II. The Games of 1940 and 1944, which would have been the peak of her competitive swimming career, were canceled due to the war. Despite this setback, Lenk never lost her love for swimming and retired from competitive swimming in 1942. However, she continued to swim regularly and focused on participating in Masters events.
On April 16, 2007, at the age of 92, Lenk tragically passed away while training in the Clube de Regatas do Flamengo’s swimming pool. She suffered a sudden respiratory arrest due to a drop in blood pressure. Despite the efforts of medical personnel at Copa D’Or Hospital in Copacabana, she was unable to be revived and died of cardiac arrest.
Lenk’s dedication to swimming remained evident until the end of her life. Before her passing, she swam 1½ kilometers every day, even in her 90s. Her commitment and passion for the sport were truly remarkable.
Awards:
– In 1988, Maria Lenk was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame for her groundbreaking achievements and contributions to the world of swimming.
Maria Lenk’s legacy extends beyond her individual accomplishments. She blazed a trail for women in sports, demonstrating that women can compete at the highest level and achieve greatness. Her determination and resilience in the face of adversity continue to inspire generations of female athletes, making her a true pioneer in women’s history.