Eleanor Holm

Eleanor Holm (1913-2004), American swimmer, who won a gold medal in the 100-meter backstroke event at the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Holm was born in Brooklyn, New York. She first competed at the Olympics at the 1928 games in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, when she was only 14 years old and where she finished fifth in the 100-meter backstroke. During the next four years Holm established herself as one of the world's best backstrokers, breaking several world records. She also won numerous United States national titles during this time, including the indoor title in the 100-yard backstroke from 1930 to 1932.

After easily winning the gold medal in the 100-meter backstroke at the 1932 Olympics, Holm married American entertainer Art Jarrett in 1933. She also joined his band as a singer, performing in nightclubs. At the same time she remained one of the best female American swimmers, claiming the U.S. indoor national title in the 100-yard backstroke from 1934 to 1936. In 1936 she was selected to compete at the Olympics that year in Berlin, Germany. During the voyage from the United States to Europe, however, American Olympic officials objected to her attendance at drinking parties, and she was dropped from the team. After the Olympics Holm continued her singing career, and she also appeared in the motion picture Tarzan's Revenge (1938). In the late 1930s she starred in performances of water ballet, the precursor to the sport of synchronized swimming. Holm was elected to the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1966.