Grinham, Judith (1939–)

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Grinham, Judith (1939–)

British swimmer. Name variations: Judy Grinham. Born Judith Brenda Grinham, Mar 6, 1939, in Neasden, England.

At age 17, won a gold medal for 100-meter backstroke at Melbourne Olympics (1956), the 1st English woman to win an Olympic gold medal for swimming in 32 years; won European championship and Commonwealth Games, both for 100-meter backstroke (1958); broke 5 World records. Inducted into International Swimming Hall of Fame.

See also autobiography Water Babe (Oldbourne Book, 1960); and Women in World History.