Helene Madison

Helene Madison
Madison (left) with Johnny Weissmuller at 1932 Olympics
Personal information
Full nameHelene Emma Madison
National team United States
Born(1913-06-19)June 19, 1913
Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.
DiedNovember 27, 1970(1970-11-27) (aged 57)
Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Height5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight154 lb (70 kg)
Sport
SportSwimming
StrokesFreestyle
ClubWashington Athletic Club (WAC)
CoachRay Daughters (WAC)
Medal record
Women's swimming
Representing the United States
Women's swimming
1932 Los Angeles100 m freestyle
1932 Los Angeles400 m freestyle
1932 Los Angeles4×100 m freestyle

Helene Emma Madison (June 19, 1913 – November 27, 1970) was an American competition swimmer, a 1932 Olympic gold medalist in the 100-meter, 400-meter and 4x100-meter freestyle relay, and a former world record-holder.

She was born in Madison, Wisconsin on June 9, 1913, though as a young child her family relocated to Seattle. By the age of 12, she began swimming at the Seattle area's Green Lake, one block from her Seattle home, and later participated in Seattle Parks Department swim programs. Recognized as a young talent by local Seattle area coach Ray Daughters in 1928, Madison started swimming competitively with Daughters at the Crystal Pool, and later at the Washington Athletic Club. She soon won the 1928 Northwest High School Championship in one of her first major victories as a competitive swimmer. Daughters would also later serve as the Head Coach for Madison's 1932 U.S. Women's Olympic swim team.