Clarence Elmer "Bud" Pinkston (February 1, 1900 – November 18, 1961) was an American diver.

[1] Born in Wichita, Kansas, he attended San Diego High where he won a Gymnastics title at age 15.

He is the first San Diegan to win an Olympic Gold Medal.

[3] Both were supporters of the swimming and diving program at the Detroit Athletic Club.

Several national champions and Olympic medalists trained under Pinkston's tutelage; Richard Degener, Jeanne Stunyo and Barbara Sue Gilders - all were sponsored by the Detroit Athletic Club.