Tag: Adolph Kiefer

Adolph Kiefer, 1936 Olympic swimming gold medalist and the oldest living U.S. Olympic champion, has died at the age of 98. Kiefer was a legendary backstroker, losing just twice in some 2,000 career races. He became the first man to break the one-minute mark in the 100-yard backstroke when he was just 16 years old,…

Born near the end of World War I to German immigrants who settled in Chicago’s Albany Park, Kiefer was the fifth of eight children. Consoling him after a swimming loss, his father Otto predicted swimming heroics. “Sonny Boy,” he said, “you’re going to be the greatest swimmer in the world.”

International Swimming Hall of Fame Gold Medallion recipient, Adolph Kiefer is recognized for his swimming and contributions to swimming as a business man and philanthropist.

In addition to being a 1936 Olympic gold medalist, Kiefer’s contributions to the sport of swimming go beyond his abilities in the pool. He talks about developing a manual for teaching soldiers how to swim, and starting his company of swim products. These accomplishments are just some of the reasons why Swimming World continues to…

See SwimmingWorld Today’s edition of The Morning Swim Show looks back on the stellar career of Adolph Kiefer, who Swimming World is calling on to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

“The International Swimming Hall of Fame presented Adolph Kiefer with the Gold Medallion Award, ISHOF’s highest honor, during the United States Aquatic Sports Convention banquet on September 29, at the Orange County Hyatt Convention Center in Anaheim, CA. In a surprise, USA Swimming also presented Kiefer with a gold medal from the 1936 Olympic Games,…