Olympic Game Gold Medalist Athlete. A swimmer, she took top honors for her country in the 100 meter backstroke at the 1948 London Olympiad. Highly skilled in her sport from early childhood, she was marked for Olympic success but saw her career delayed by World War II. Continuing to be a star in her native land where she captured about 30 national titles, she set two world records in relay events, in the 4 X 100 freestyle in 1943 and in the 3 X 100 medley in 1947. At the 1947 European Championships held in Monte Carlo, Karen took Gold three times, in the 100 meter backstroke, in the 400 meter freestyle, and in the 4 X 100 freestyle relay. Though 'old' for a competitive swimmer at 23, she captured medals in the same events at the 1948 Olympics, earning Gold in the backstroke and Silver in the other two. After retiring she penned a 1950 autobiography entitled "Lasse", was a noted instructor for many years, and remained active well into advanced age. She was named to the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1975, lived out her days in her country's capital, and died of the effects of old age.
Olympic Game Gold Medalist Athlete. A swimmer, she took top honors for her country in the 100 meter backstroke at the 1948 London Olympiad. Highly skilled in her sport from early childhood, she was marked for Olympic success but saw her career delayed by World War II. Continuing to be a star in her native land where she captured about 30 national titles, she set two world records in relay events, in the 4 X 100 freestyle in 1943 and in the 3 X 100 medley in 1947. At the 1947 European Championships held in Monte Carlo, Karen took Gold three times, in the 100 meter backstroke, in the 400 meter freestyle, and in the 4 X 100 freestyle relay. Though 'old' for a competitive swimmer at 23, she captured medals in the same events at the 1948 Olympics, earning Gold in the backstroke and Silver in the other two. After retiring she penned a 1950 autobiography entitled "Lasse", was a noted instructor for many years, and remained active well into advanced age. She was named to the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1975, lived out her days in her country's capital, and died of the effects of old age.
Bio by: Bob Hufford
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