DeFrantz, Anita (1952–)

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DeFrantz, Anita (1952–)

African-American rower, lawyer, and Olympic official. Name variations: Anita De Frantz. Born Anita Luceete DeFrantz, Oct 4, 1952, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; graduate of Connecticut College; graduate of University of Pennsylvania Law School, 1977.

At Montreal Olympics, won a bronze medal in coxed eights (1976); won a silver medal in coxed fours at World championships (1978); was 6-time national champion; elected the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) 1st female vice president (1977); elected the 1st woman to represent US on IOC (1986); became a member of the IOC Executive. Was only the 2nd American athlete to receive the Bronze Medal of the Olympic Order of the International IOC (1981).