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SPEAKER_00: Hello, from Wonder Media Network, I'm Jenny Kaplan, and this is Encyclopedia Wamanica. Today's Olympian was a swimmer turned socialite who's perhaps more remembered for the Olympics she didn't compete in than the one where she won gold. Let's talk about Eleanor Holm. Eleanor Grace Holm was born on December 6th, 1913 in Brooklyn, New York. She was the youngest of seven children to parents Franklin and Charlotte. Each summer, the family vacationed at their cottage in Long Beach, New York. It was during these summers that Eleanor developed a love for the water. As a young girl, Eleanor's mother would tie water wings to Eleanor's arms before Eleanor went to play in the ocean. Eleanor recalled lifeguards swimming out after her and pleading with her to stay closer to shore. The lifeguards would then give her a few pointers on how to swim. Realizing she'd scored free swimming lessons, Eleanor began intentionally swimming out too far to learn more from the lifeguards. Her scheme paid off. Eleanor grew to become a gifted swimmer, winning her first national title at the age of 13. At the age of 14, she was selected to compete in the 1928 Summer Olympics. Eleanor had an impressive first showing at the Olympics. She finished fifth in her dominant event, the 100 meter backstroke. Eleanor continued to improve after her Olympic appearance, winning several amateur athletic union titles in the 300 yard medley. She also set multiple world records. Eleanor made her second Olympic appearance in the 1932 Summer Games in Los Angeles. This time around, Eleanor made the podium. She won the gold medal in the 100 meter backstroke while setting a new record time.
SPEAKER_07: I can't tell you how glad I am to have been able to win the championship. The last three years I've been thinking about it and I can't believe it's over, thank you.
SPEAKER_00: While in Los Angeles, Eleanor went to multiple screen tests for the major film studios, Warner Brother, MGM, and Paramount. She was one of 14 women selected by the Western Association of Motion Picture Advertisers for the Baby Star campaign. The campaign was meant to highlight a handful of young actresses on the cusp of stardom. Other 1932 Baby Stars included Ginger Rogers and Gloria Stewart. Eleanor fully embraced Hollywood life. At the age of 19, she signed a contract with Warner Brothers and married singer and band leader Art Jarrett. During the day, Eleanor kept up her swimming training. At night, she performed with Art's band. Her performances were memorable, including one where she sang I'm an Old Cow Hand while wearing a bathing suit, white cowboy hat, and high heels. At first, Eleanor's Hollywood partying did not deter her swimming career. In 1936, Eleanor was the favorite to win the gold medal and backstroke in the upcoming Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany. But in the end, Eleanor would not compete. While en route by ship to Berlin, Eleanor and other members of the U.S. Olympic team were invited to parties by the onboard sports journalists. On the second night of the trip, Eleanor violated curfew and was found drunk. Her behavior was brought to the U.S. Olympic Committee President Avery Brundage, who expelled Eleanor from the Olympic team. Brundage went a step further and also barred Eleanor from future competitions. Of the scandal, Eleanor said, The regulation stated that all team members should continue the same training preparations that we were accustomed to having in the States. That's all I was doing. At home, it was my custom to have a glass of wine or champagne every day after a workout. More than 200 team members petitioned for Brundage to lift the ban, but the pleas fell on deaf ears. Eleanor was heartbroken as she watched Dutch swimmer Nita Sempf win the gold medal in the 100-meter backstroke. After being expelled from competitive swimming, Eleanor became a high-profile socialite. She appeared in the 1938 Hollywood feature film Tarzan's Revenge alongside fellow Olympian Glenn Morris. The following year, her husband filed for divorce, claiming that her expulsion from the 1936 Olympics and an extramarital affair had caused him embarrassment. Eleanor later married entertainer Billy Rose. During the 1939 New York World's Fair, Billy opened Billy Rose's Aquacade. The Aquacade took place in an 11,000-person amphitheater and featured over 500 dancers, actors, and swimmers. Eleanor was the star. The show was a hit during the fair, and Eleanor performed in a grueling 39 shows a week. In 1945, Eleanor and Billy divorced. The detail of their divorce became tabloid fodder and was called the War of the Roses. Eleanor walked away from the marriage with $30,000 a month and a lump sum of $200,000. Eleanor then married an oil drilling executive, Thomas Whalen, and settled in the Miami area. In 1966, Eleanor was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame. She kept a low profile for the rest of her life but gave an interview in 1984, where she told The New York Times, "'I don't swim anymore. "'I just play tennis. "'But I still have my 1932 Olympic bathing suit. "'It's blue with a red, white, and blue shield on the front. "'It's long-waisted with a little skirt. "'And I don't drink champagne anymore. "'Just a little dry white wine.'" On January 31st, 2004, Eleanor died of renal disease in Miami, Florida. She was 90 years old. Despite the controversy she generated away from the pool, Eleanor Holm was a highly talented swimmer. She won 29 Amateur Athletic Union titles and set seven World Backstroke Records. Many believe her transgressions at the 1936 Olympic Games were minor and the punishment unjust.
SPEAKER_07: I did drink some champagne because I liked it. It didn't hurt me.
SPEAKER_00: All month, we're talking about Olympians. For more on why we're doing what we're doing, check out our newsletter, Womanica Weekly. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Encyclopedia Womanica. Special thanks to Liz Kaplan, my favorite sister and co-creator. As always, we'll be taking a break for the weekend. Talk to you on Monday.
SPEAKER_05: As always, we'll be taking a break for the weekend. card required. Benefits vary by card and by venue. Terms apply.
SPEAKER_08: See you at the beach.
SPEAKER_09: Monday, September 24th on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
