Dirkje VAN EKRIS

For almost her entire life, Dicky van Ekris was a member of De Robben, the swimming club of her native Hilversum. The club sent five members to London 1948, all of them returning with a medal or having qualified for a final. Van Ekris, just 15 years old at the time, placed 6th in the 100 m backstroke. Upon her return, she became a swimming teacher, ending her amateur career. She did remain active as a water polo player, and won a massive 29 Dutch titles with De Robben between 1946 and 1975, only missing the 1966 title.

From the 1950s, Van Ekris was the swimming teacher of many members of the Dutch royal family, including future IOC member and king HRH Prince Willem-Alexander. She only retired as a teacher well into her seventies.