Ethelda Marguerite Bleibtrey (February 27, 1902 – May 6, 1978), also known by her married name Ethelda Schlatke, was an American competition swimmer for the Women's Swimming Association, a three-time world record breaking 1920 Olympic gold medalist, and a former world record-holder in multiple events.

[4][5] [6] In 1919, Bleibtrey was arrested for "nude swimming" at Manhattan Beach after removing her stockings at a pool where it was forbidden to bare "the lower female extremities for public bathing."

The subsequent public support for Bleibtrey helped lead to the abandonment of stockings as a conventional element in women's swimwear.

[5][2] She also won a gold medal as a member of the winning U.S. team in the women's 4×100-meter freestyle relay, together with teammates Margaret Woodbridge, Frances Schroth and Irene Guest.

[13][14] In later life, Bleibtrey coached and taught swimming in New York and Atlantic City and later became a nurse in North Palm Beach, Florida.