Velma Dunn

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexFemale
Full nameVelma Clancy•Dunn (-Ploessel)
Used nameVelma•Dunn
Born9 October 1918 in Monrovia, California (USA)
Died8 May 2007 in Whittier, California (USA)
NOC United States
Medals OG
Gold 0
Silver 1
Bronze 0
Total 1

Biography

When Dorothy Poynton-Hill retained her Olympic platform title in 1936, Velma Dunn, a 17-year-old from Monrovia, California, took second place, finishing only 0.3 points behind the defending champion. She later became a physical education teacher at Huntington Park High School, and then at San Pedro High, where she taught water ballet, synchronized swimming, and life-saving techniques. With her husband, Howard Ploessel, also an excellent swimmer, they organized and staged water shows and ballets.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1936 Summer Olympics Diving (Aquatics) USA Velma Dunn
Platform, Women (Olympic) 2 Silver