Daphne Wilkinson

Daphne Rose Wilkinson (later Harrison, 21 April 1932 – 24 December 2023) was an English freestyle swimmer and Olympian.

Daphne Wilkinson

Wilkinson at the 1952 Olympics
Personal information
Full name	Daphne Rose Wilkinson
Born	(1932-04-21)21 April 1932 Birmingham, England
Died	24 December 2023(2023-12-24) (aged 91)
Sport
Sport	Swimming
Medal record Representing  England British Empire and Commonwealth Games 1954 Vancouver 4×110 yd freestyle

Biography

Wilkinson was born in Birmingham, England on 21 April 1932.^[1][2] She competed in the 400 metre event at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland. She broke the world record during the freestyle heats, but came 11th in the semi-finals and failed to reach the final.^[3]

She won a bronze medal in the 4×110 yard relay at the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games representing England.^[4][5] She won the 1951 ASA National Championship 220 yards freestyle title^[6] and three ASA National Championship 440 yards freestyle titles in 1950, 1951 and 1952.^[7][8][9]

After retiring, Wilkinson taught swimming in Kenilworth. She was inducted into Coventry’s Hall of Fame^[10] and participated in a parade in honour of former Olympians in Coventry in 2008.^[11]

Wilkinson died on 24 December 2023, at the age of 91.^[12]