Los Angeles, August 1932: Americans Helene MADISON - gold medalist in the swimming 100m freestyle, 400m freestyle and 4x100m freestyle - and Eleanor HOLM - winner of the 100m backstroke - during the Games of the X Olympiad. Credit: IOC Olympic Museum Collections

Other names: MADISON, Helene E.

Born: 19 June 1913

Deceased: 27 November 1970

Birthplace: Madison (United States)

Nationality: United States

Sport: Aquatics

ATTENDANCE AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES

Los Angeles 1932

AWARDS

Olympic medals:

Gold: 3

Other results:

USA National Championships

Gold: 8 (1930,1931)

Freestyle Star of Los Angeles

During a 16½ month period in 1930-31, Helene Madison broke all 16 freestyle world records for the distances between 100 yards and one mile. She seemed to be a sure bet for a gold medal at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. However, she floundered badly in the 100m semifinals and only qualified for the final because she was in the weaker heat. Fortunately, Madison recovered her confidence for the final and, despite bumping into a lane divider, won comfortably. Four days later she anchored the U.S. team to victory in the 4x100m freestyle relay, helping to smash the world record by 9½ seconds. The next day, she engaged in a dramatic duel with teammate Lenore Kight at 400m freestyle and won a third gold medal by just barely touching the wall first. That night, Madison celebrated by dancing at the Coconut Grove nightclub with actor Clark Gable.