Susan Laird

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexFemale
Full nameSusanne E. "Susan"•Laird (-Scavey)
Used nameSusan•Laird
Born18 July 1908 in Homestead, PennsylvaniaUSA
Died7 November 1933 (aged 25 years 3 months 20 days) in Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaUSA
AffiliationsCarnegie Library AC — Homestead, PennsylvaniaUSA
NOCUnited StatesUSA

Biography

Susan Laird attended Temple University, graduating in 1930. She started swimming at age 14 as therapy after developing Sydenham’s chorea (often called St. Vitus’ Dance), a neurologic disorder characterized by spasmodic jerking of the limbs and head. Laird was US Junior Champion in the 100 yard freestyle in 1926. After college she became a girls’ coach and physical education at Homestead High School near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Laird died tragically when only 25-years-old from a rare blood disorder and subsequent pneumonia.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1928 Summer Olympics Swimming (Aquatics) USA Susan Laird
100 metres Freestyle, Women (Olympic) 5
4 × 100 metres Freestyle Relay, Women (Olympic) United States 1

List mentions