Doris Molesworth

A former Warwickshire and Midlands champion, Doris Molesworth won titles at distances from 100 yards to one mile. She never won an ASA title, but was second to Hilda James in the 440 yards freestyle at the 1924 Championships. At the Paris Olympics that year, Molesworth finished fourth behind the three Americans Martha Norelius, Helen Wainwright and Trudy Ederle. At the end of the 1925 season, Molesworth turned professional and became a swimming coach and instructor. She also gave demonstrations of ornamental and trick swimming and diving. She was also a good water polo and hockey player. In 1932 while on a camping holiday at Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset, Molesworth risked her own life to rescue two children who got into difficulty in nearby rough seas. Her husband Tom was an ex-footballer turned sports photographer, but was killed in action in 1942. After his death, she took up golf, and won the 1967 Worcestershire Women’s Foursomes with Olive Chadwin. Molesworth’s sister May was also a fine swimmer, and was the 1922 Midlands 220 yards freestyle champion.