Jeanne ASHWORTH

In the first official Olympic speed skating for women, Jeanne Ashworth finished behind a German and a Russian to take a bronze medal. In the late 50s and early 60s, Ashworth and the other Jeanne, Omelenchuk, monopolized American speed skating – Ashworth winning 11 national championships and Omelenchuk eight. In the following years, Ashworth trained in Europe, and competed in the 1962 and 1963 World Championships, placing 10th both times (and best American). At the 1964 US Olympic Trials, held in Colorado Springs at 2,865 m above sea level, she won the 500 m in 44.4 which was below the World Record, but her time was not recognised as such. In the Olympics themselves, in Innsbruck, she just missed out on a medal, finishing behind three Soviet skaters.

Jeanne Ashworth was also an excellent softball player, and competed in that sport on a national level. In 1960 she received a B.S. degree in physical therapy from an affiliate school of Tufts. She later settled near Lake Placid, where she helped run the family toy and candy company. When the 1980 Olympics were held there, Ashworth was part of the Organising Committee, and went to Greece to bring the Olympic Flame to Lake Placid. Later, Jeanne Ashworth became Town Supervisor of Wilmington, New York (about 1,000 inhabitants), a function comparable with mayor.

Personal Best: 500 – 44.4 (1963); 1000 – 1:34.7 (1968); 1500 – 2:30.3 (1968); 3000 – 5:14.0 (1968).