Rie Mastenbroek

Hendrika Wilhelmina "Rie" Mastenbroek (February 26, 1919 - November 6, 2003) was a Dutch swimmer and a triple Olympic champion.

Related Topics:
February 26 - 1919 - November 6 - 2003 - Dutch - Swimmer - Olympic

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Born in Rotterdam, she started swimming under the coaching of "Ma" Braun, who had coached her daughter to an Olympic gold medal in 1928.

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In 1934, Mastenbroek won three gold medals and a silver at the European Championships.

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She repeated that performance at the 1936 Summer Olympics, aged only 17, winning the 100 m freestyle, 400 m freestyle and the 4 x 100 m freestyle.

Related Topics:
1936 Summer Olympics - Freestyle

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In the 100 m backstroke, she finished second behind teammate Nida Senff.

Related Topics:
Backstroke - Nida Senff

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(Senff missed a turning point and had to swim back before completing the last 50 m. She nevertheless beat Mastenbroek thanks to an outstanding last leg.)

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The following year she became a swimming instructor, thereby losing her amateur status and becoming ineligible for competition.

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During her career she broke nine world records (six for backstroke; three for freestyle).

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In 1968 she was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

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She passed away at age 84 in Rotterdam.

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