• Entry type: Person
  • Entry ID: AWE2190

Dennis, Clare

(1916 – 1971)
  • Born 7 March, 1916, Burwood New South Wales Australia
  • Died 4 June, 1971, Sydney New South Wales Australia
  • Occupation Commonwealth or Empire Games Gold Medalist, Olympian, Swimmer

Summary

Clare Dennis dominated breast-stroke swimming from 1931 to 1935, becoming the first Australian woman to win a gold medal in the British Empire Games in 1934. An outstanding junior swimmer, she broke the world record at 15 years of age in the 220 yards breast-stroke, ensuring her selection in the team to represent Australia at the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. She was the youngest member of the team, but still came home with the gold medal in her event – the first female Olympic Champion since Fanny Durack in 1912 and the last Australian swimmer, male or female to win Olympic Gold until 1956. She was the youngest Australian to win Olympic Gold until Shane Gould in 1972. She was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985.

Events

  • 1932 - 1932

    Swimming – 200m Backstroke

    Gold Medalist at the Los Angeles Olympic Games
  • 1934 - 1934

    Swimming – 200y Breaststroke

    Gold Medalist at London Empire Games

Published resources

Related entries


  • Related Concepts
    • Olympic Games Gold Medallists (1912 - )
    • Commonwealth or Empire Games Gold Medallists