Born: 1929
Died: 2019
Biography:
Patricia Anne Elsener, known as Patty Elsner, was an American diver who made significant contributions to the sport during the mid-20th century. Born on October 22, 1929, and passing away on September 29, 2019, Elsner left a lasting legacy as one of the pioneers of diving.
Elsner’s journey in diving began in 1941 when her parents took her to San Francisco’s Fairmont Hotel Plunge. She had already taught herself to swim, but it was summer recreational coach Clyde Devine who recognized her potential and urged her parents to introduce her to diving. Under the guidance of coach Phil Patterson, Elsner formed a close bond with Hall of Famer Helen Crlenkovich, who became her mentor and inspiration.
Despite the logistical challenges, Elsner showed unwavering dedication to her training. As a student in the San Mateo school system, Elsner would ride her bike two miles to the train station, take the train to San Francisco, then a bus and a cable car just to reach Fairmont for her training sessions. Her commitment and effort paid off as she rapidly improved her skills.
In the summer of 1945, the pool at Fairmont closed, forcing Elsner to join Charlie Sava’s team at Crystal Plunge. However, this new facility lacked a proper diving board. To solve this problem, Ernie Brandsten from Stanford University, who was also a maker of diving boards, provided Elsner with her own board and standard. Frank McGuigan became her coach at Crystal Plunge, where she stood out as the sole diver on the team.
Elsner’s talent became evident as she achieved remarkable feats in the sport. In 1946 and 1947, she clinched the 3-meter indoor title in Seattle, Washington. It is worth noting that due to the unavailability of a 1-meter diving board at Crystal Plunge, Elsner was unable to participate in the event on this apparatus. In addition to her diving success, Elsner also dabbled in competitive swimming, showcasing her versatility and athleticism.
The pinnacle of Elsner’s diving career came in 1948 when the Olympic Games were held in London. This was a particularly significant event as it marked the first time in 12 years that the world had come together after the disruptions caused by World War II. Elsner seized this opportunity to showcase her talent on the international stage.
At the 1948 Summer Olympics, Elsner faced stiff competition from Hall of Fame diver Vicki Draves, who ultimately won gold medals in both the 3-meter springboard and the 10-meter platform events. However, Elsner’s skill and determination shone through as she earned a silver medal in the 10-meter platform and a bronze in the 3-meter springboard, solidifying her place among the world’s best divers.
Beyond her individual successes, Elsner’s influence extended to the broader realm of women’s sports and women’s history. As an exceptional athlete and role model, she inspired countless young women to pursue their athletic dreams. Her dedication to her craft and her pioneering spirit helped pave the way for future generations of female athletes, leaving an indelible mark on women’s sports history.
Awards:
– 1948 Olympic Games: Silver Medal (10m platform), Bronze Medal (3m springboard)
– Three U.S. National Championships: 3m springboard