Ethel Lackie

Ethel Minnie Lackie, born on February 10, 1907, in Chicago, Illinois, was a remarkable American swimmer whose legacy continues to inspire. From a young age, Ethel was immersed in the world of swimming, thanks to her father, Lester E. Lackie, a skilled swimmer himself. He encouraged her to start swimming at the tender age of three, laying the foundation for her illustrious career.

During her high school years at University High in Chicago, Ethel honed her skills and represented the Illinois Athletic Club under the guidance of Hall of Fame Coach Bill Bachrach. She made history as the first woman to break the sixty-second barrier in the 100-yard freestyle and was also the first to achieve a time of 1:10.0 in the 100-meter freestyle, showcasing her exceptional talent and determination.

Ethel's competitive spirit led her to set numerous American and world records throughout her career. Notably, she established a world record of 1:10.0 for the 100-meter freestyle on January 28, 1926, a record that stood until August 7, 1929. Additionally, she was a vital member of the gold medal-winning 4×100 meter freestyle relay team at the 1924 Paris Olympics, where their combined time of 4:58.8 remained unbeaten until August 9, 1928.

Beyond her individual achievements, Ethel Lackie's contributions to the sport of swimming were significant, as she competed alongside other swimming legends of her time, including Johnny Weissmuller and Sybil Bauer. Her legacy as an Olympic champion and world record-holder continues to be celebrated in the annals of sports history.