David Browning
American diver (1931–1956)
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David Greig "Skippy" Browning Jr. (June 5, 1931 – March 13, 1956) was a diver from the United States and Olympic champion. He represented the US at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, where he received a gold medal in springboard diving.[2][3] After his Olympic victory in Helsinki, Browning shinnied up a flag pole to steal an Olympic flag and was arrested.[4]
Browning at the 1952 Olympics | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | David Greig Browning Jr. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nickname | Skippy | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | June 5, 1931 Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.[1] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Died | March 13, 1956 (aged 24) Near Rantoul, Kansas, U.S.[1] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Education | Business administration, University of Texas | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupation | United States Naval Aviator | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years active | 1948–1956 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | Diving | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Event | Springboard diving | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| University team | University of Texas | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Club | Texas Longhorns[1] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Achievements and titles | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Olympic finals | 1952 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Medal record
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| Updated on 25 July 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Browning married Corinne L. Couch on September 7, 1950. In January 1953 he graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in business administration. In June 1955 he received his wings as a pilot in the United States Navy at Pensacola, Florida.
On March 13, 1956, he was on a training flight in a North American FJ-3 Fury jet carrier fighter when the plane crashed near Rantoul, Kansas, killing Browning.[3] At the time, he was scheduled to be reassigned to Los Angeles to begin training for the 1956 Summer Olympics.[5]
Browning was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1975.[5] His father was his coach and instructor.[citation needed]
