Helene Emma Madison (June 19, 1913 – November 27, 1970) was an American competition swimmer, a 1932 Olympic gold medalist in the 100-meter, 400-meter and 4x100-meter freestyle relay, and a former world record-holder.
[4] In the 4x100 meter freestyle relay, Madison anchored the American team which was considerably faster than the competition and consisted of Josephine McKim, Helen Johns and Eleanor Garatti.
Neither of the films she appeared in were large box office draws, and her attempt to work as a nightclub entertainer was short lived.
From 1948-1951, she coached Seattle's Moore Hotel Swimming Team, where she led her women's squad to first place in the Chronicle Championship in August 16-17, 1951.
[8] Other jobs included work as a hot dog vendor at a Seattle beach, a department store clerk and a student nurse.
[3][9][10] On March 6, 1937, while working as a student nurse in Seattle, she married Luther C. McCiver, an engineer and builder, whom she had met in 1931 at the height of her swimming career.
[1] The Helene Madison Pool, built in 1970 in the Bitter Lake neighborhood of North Seattle, is dedicated to her memory.