Marie Braun

Maria "Marie" Johanna Philipsen-Braun, born on June 22, 1911, was a remarkable Dutch swimmer who made her mark in the world of competitive swimming. Known affectionately as Zus Braun, she showcased her talent at the 1928 Summer Olympics held in Amsterdam, where she won a gold medal in the 100 m backstroke and a silver in the 400 m freestyle. Her achievements at these Games solidified her status as a leading athlete of her time.

Marie’s journey in swimming began under the guidance of her mother, Ma Braun, a prominent swimming coach in the Netherlands. Her first taste of international success came in 1927 at the European Championships, where she earned a gold medal in the 400 m freestyle and two bronze medals in the 4 × 100 m freestyle and 100 m backstroke events. These victories set the stage for her continued success, as she repeated her gold medal wins at the European Championships in 1931.

Despite her promising prospects for the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles, Marie faced an unexpected setback. After competing in the preliminary heats of the 400 m event, she was struck by a sudden illness that led to her hospitalization, preventing her from reaching the finals. This unfortunate turn of events marked the beginning of her retirement from competitive swimming shortly thereafter.

Throughout her illustrious career, Marie Braun set an impressive six world records and twenty-five national records, showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. In recognition of her contributions to swimming, she was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1980, a testament to her enduring legacy in the world of athletics.