Passages: USA Swimming Official Bette Binning

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, April 22. Bette Ames Binning, who worked for the Athletic Amateur Association and USA Swimming as a records keeper and official, passed away April 14.

Binning was the first American female to work as an official at a major international swimming competition when she was picked to officiate at numerous Pan American Games, as well as the 1976 Olympic Games. She was also tabbed as an official for the U.S. delegation going to the 1980 Olympics before the eventual boycott.

Binning was the official swimming records keeper in the AAU and later U.S. Swimming from 1972 to 1980. She received numerous awards through the years recognizing her dedication to the sport.

Born in Brandon, Manitoba, Binning maintained her Canadian citizenship while working as an official in the United States. She became an American citizen in 1987. After she retired from work in swimming, she became an avid tennis and golf player. She excelled in those sports, winning several state and local championships.

Binning is survived her husband, Gene; her father, Bill Wood; a sister and brother; three children and six grandchildren.

A memorial service was held Monday in Oklahoma City.

Full obituary.

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