Beth Whittall facts for kids

Elizabeth "Beth" Whittall (born May 26, 1936 – died May 1, 2015) was a very skilled Canadian swimmer. She was a champion in both breaststroke and freestyle swimming. Beth won several medals for her country, showing how dedicated and talented she was in the pool.

Beth Whittall: A Canadian Swimming Star

Beth Whittall was a remarkable athlete who made a big splash in the world of swimming. She became a national hero by winning many important competitions. Her career showed great determination and skill over many years.

Early Life and Education

Beth Whittall was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. When she was older, she moved to the United States to study. She attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. There, she studied pharmacy, showing she was smart both in and out of the water.

Amazing Swimming Achievements

Beth Whittall achieved a lot in her swimming career.

• When she was just 17 years old, she won a silver medal. This was at the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games held in Vancouver, British Columbia.
• The next year, in 1955, she won two gold medals. These were at the Pan American Games in Mexico City, Mexico. This was a huge success for her and for Canada.
• Even when she was older, Beth continued to swim competitively. In 1987, at the age of 50, she set a new Canadian record. This record was for the 200-metre freestyle event. It was for swimmers in the 50 to 54 age group. This showed her lasting passion and talent for swimming.

Later Life and Legacy

Beth Whittall passed away on May 1, 2015, at the age of 78. She is remembered as a true champion and an inspiration in Canadian swimming. Her achievements continue to be celebrated, especially her success at major international games and her impressive record-breaking swim at 50.