Jean Gaertner

Jean Gaertner had only a short career as a high jumper, competing internationally only at the 1960 Rome Olympics. But she was an excellent leaper and used that talent to compete in volleyball for the United States at the 1959 and 1963 Pan American Games, winning silver in both occasions, and the 1964 Olympic Games. Gaertner played for the Santa Monica Mariners and the Ahearn Shamrocks, winning seven national titles in volleyball - in 1956-60 with the Mariners and 1962-63 with the Shamrocks. Gaertner was named All-American by the USVBA eight times in 1957-58, 1960, and 1962-66, and was a three-time national player of the year.

When she competed in volleyball at the Tokyo Olympics, Gaertner became the first American female to represent the United States in two different sports at the Olympic Games. She attended Cal State Los Angeles and Whittier College, represented the Spartan Women’s Athletic Club, and later became a school teacher.

Personal Best: HJ – 5-6 [1.67] (1960).