Daphne Wilkinson
English swimmer (1932–2023)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Daphne Rose Wilkinson (later Harrison, 21 April 1932 – 24 December 2023) was an English freestyle swimmer and Olympian.
Wilkinson at the 1952 Olympics | ||||||||||||
| Personal information | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Daphne Rose Wilkinson | |||||||||||
| Born | 21 April 1932 Birmingham, England | |||||||||||
| Died | 24 December 2023 (aged 91) | |||||||||||
| Sport | ||||||||||||
| Sport | Swimming | |||||||||||
Medal record
| ||||||||||||
Biography
Wilkinson was born in Birmingham, England on 21 April 1932.[1][2] She competed in the 400 metre event at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland. She broke the world record during the freestyle heats, but came 11th in the semi-finals and failed to reach the final.[3]
She won a bronze medal in the 4×110 yard relay at the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games representing England.[4][5] She won the 1951 ASA National Championship 220 yards freestyle title[6] and three ASA National Championship 440 yards freestyle titles in 1950, 1951 and 1952.[7][8][9]
After retiring, Wilkinson taught swimming in Kenilworth. She was inducted into Coventry’s Hall of Fame[10] and participated in a parade in honour of former Olympians in Coventry in 2008.[11]
Wilkinson died on 24 December 2023, at the age of 91.[12]
