Jeanne Omelenchuk

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexFemale
Full nameJeanne Marie•Omelenchuk (Robinson-)
Used nameJeanne•Omelenchuk
Born25 March 1931 in Detroit, Michigan (USA)
Died26 June 2008 in Lapeer, Michigan (USA)
Measurements163 cm / 52 kg
AffiliationsDetroit Speed Skating Club
NOC United States

Biography

Jeanne Omelenchuk won her first national title in cycling, as Jeanne Robinson, before adding speed skating titles later in the 50s. By the time women’s speed skating was on the Winter Olympic program in 1960, she was somewhat past her prime, but she still made three Olympic teams, the last in 1972 as a 40-year-old. Omelenchuk graduated from Wayne State University and became an art teacher. But in 1985, she entered politics and won a seat on the Warren City Council. She served in that post for a decade, and also served four years as mayor pro tem. She would eventually be inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, Michigan Amateur Sports Hall of Fame, National Speedskating Hall of Fame, Wayne State University Hall of Fame, and Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame.

Personal Bests: 500 – 45.6 (1969); 1000 – 1:32.9 (1972); 1500 – 2:26.9 (1969); 3000 – 5:14.9 (1968).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1960 Winter Olympics Speed Skating (Skating) USA Jeanne Omelenchuk
500 metres, Women (Olympic) 16
1,000 metres, Women (Olympic) 15
1,500 metres, Women (Olympic) 15
1968 Winter Olympics Speed Skating (Skating) USA Jeanne Omelenchuk
1,500 metres, Women (Olympic) 25
3,000 metres, Women (Olympic) 11
1972 Winter Olympics Speed Skating (Skating) USA Jeanne Omelenchuk
3,000 metres, Women (Olympic) 22