Historical context: Eleanor Holm

Eleanor Holm was a prominent American swimmer who was active in the 1930s. She won the gold medal in the 100 metre backstroke at the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, which established her international fame. She was also an important campaigner for women’s rights.
In 1936, Holm qualified for the Olympic Games in Berlin, but was excluded from the US team. This was allegedly due to “improper behaviour” on the crossing to Germany, with rumours that she had drunk too much alcohol. This incident led to a lot of media attention.
After her active swimming career, Holm also tried her hand in Hollywood and appeared in several films.
Holm was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1966.

Eleanor Holm was born on 6 December 1913 in Brooklyn, New York.
Holm was married several times, including to Hollywood producer Billy Rose.
Eleanor Holm died on 31 January 2004 in Miami, Florida.

Holm remains in the history of swimming as one of the outstanding athletes of her time and as a figure who became known both for her sporting successes and for her advocacy of women’s emancipation.