Happy Birthday to America’s First Great Freestyler of the NY Women’s Swimming Association – Charlotte Boyle !


CHARLOTTE BOYLE (USA)

1988 Honor Pioneer Swimmer

FOR THE RECORD: WORLD RECORDS: 2 (200m, 220 yd freestyle); U.S. NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: 8 (50yd to 5 mile long distance). Competed in 1910’s and 1920’s. First great freestyle swimmer of the dominant New York Women’s Swimming Association.

Charlotte Boyle set two world records and won eight U.S. National Championships on both sides of the 1920 Olympics.  Charlotte Boyle was the first great freestyler of the dominant New York Women’s Swimming Association and coach L. de B. Handley, the first U.S. scientific swimming coach.  Her style and glamour added to a large dose of talent, helped to popularize competitive women’s swimming. She concluded her career with a story book marriage and a long life of service, teaching thousands to swim.  Her own competitive career included winning nationals from 50 yards to the five mile national long distance.  Her world records were in the 200 meter and 220 yard middle distance events.