Violet Walrond - NZ's first female Olympian
A DigitalNZ Story by squiggle_top
Violet Walrond was one of four New Zealand representatives at the 1920 Olympics, held in Antwerp.
In 1920, Violet Walrond was nominated as New Zealand's sole swimming representative to participate in the Olympic Games held in Antwerp. Due to her young age, she was accompanied by her father Cecil Walrond who had the role of "honorary trainer".
Violet Walrond, our first female Olympian
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
On 23 August 1920, 15-year-old Violet Walrond entered the chilly waters of an outdoor swimming pool adjoining a canal in Antwerp and became New Zealand’s first female Olympian.
New Zealand History. New Zealand's first female Olympian, 23 August 1920.
Violet (2nd from left, with silver fern on her swimming costume) poses with other Olympic swimmers.
Violet Walrond at the 1920 Olympics
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Violet competed in freestyle swimming.
New Zealand's first female Olympian
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Violet competed at Antwerp (1920 Olympics) and Gwitha competed at Paris (1924 Olympics).
Olympians Gwitha Shand and Violet Walrond
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
This programme cover for the 1920 Olympic Games at Antwerp, Belgium, was owned by Violet Walrond.
Cover of 1920 Olympic Games programme
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Violet Walrond is in Lane 3, ready for her event.
Violet Walrond, Antwerp, 1920
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Given Violet Walrond's age (15 yrs), it was decided that her father would need to accompany her on the trip.
OLYMPIC GAMES (Otago Daily Times 9-4-1920)
National Library of New Zealand
Public appeal for funding
National Library of New Zealand
A successful overseas trip
National Library of New Zealand
Celebrating athletic success
National Library of New Zealand
Rightly worthy as the sole swimming representative
Ahead of the 1924 Olympics, this article reviews New Zealand's participation in previous Olympic Games.
National Library of New Zealand