Donna De Varona Looks Back On 1964 Olympics In Throwback Thursday Video

TOKYO, Japan, October 16. FIFTY years ago this week, the women’s 400 individual medley made its Olympic debut at the 1964 Games in Tokyo. Heavily favored was American Donna De Varona, the current world record holder.

Though she was unable to lower the record of 5:14.90 she set at the Olympic Trials two months earlier, De Varona was never challenged, winning her first gold medal by six seconds. In this video, De Varona tells the story of winning gold in the 400 IM, planning a false start in the race and how she was able to land a spot on the 400 free relay despite not qualifying at Trials.

Click here to read more about swimming at the 1964 Olympics.

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use