Thelma Kalama

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexFemale
Full nameThelma Hildegard•Kalama (-Aiu)
Used nameThelma•Kalama
Nick/petnamesKeko
Born24 March 1931 in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi (USA)
Died17 May 1999 in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi (USA)
AffiliationsHawaii Swim Club
NOC United States
Medals OG
Gold 1
Silver 0
Bronze 0
Total 1

Biography

Thelma Kalama got to the 1948 Olympic Trials because Hawaiian beach boys took up a collection among the bathers so she could afford the trip. She placed fourth at both the 100m and 400m freestyle events at the trials, which earned her a relay spot at the Olympics. She won three AAU titles and set one American record for the 400m freestyle. Thelma Kalama later joined the marines, eventually becoming a sergeant. She also attended college at Miami of Ohio and was married for a short time.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1948 Summer Olympics Swimming (Aquatics) USA Thelma Kalama
4 × 100 metres Freestyle Relay, Women (Olympic) United States 1 Gold