Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/320028
28 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | JUNE / JULY 2014 the Club had established itself as a serious contender in the sport of swimming. By the time Helene took her first dip in the pool that would later carry her name, the bar had been set. "Early on, the WAC pool was known as a place where champions were made," says Chuck Kroll, who still lives in Seattle and is working on a book about the history of lifeguarding. "The list of legends that have come through the doors is incredible." That list spans nine decades and includes Olympians as well as champions from the local to the national level. It also includes all styles of swimmer, from freestyle to water aerobics to triathletes. Under the tutelage of Ray Daughters, Helene went on to win three gold medals at the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Ray then set his sights on Jack Medica, Olive McKean, and Mary Lou Petty for the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Jack brought home a gold and two silvers, and Olive claimed a bronze. Twenty years later, WAC swimmer Nancy Ramey took a silver at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, Australia. By the time Ray retired from the WAC in 1964, he had coached Club swimmers to 30 world records, 301 American records, and 64 national championships. "The Club has always been a place where hardcore athletes coexist with families," new WAC Aquatics Supervisor Kelly Parr says. At the Father Daughter Banquet in 1984, WAC synchronized swim team mem- ber Candy Costie and partner Tracie Ruiz performed their routine for WAC families just months before taking gold at that year's Summer Olympics. Chuck recalls seeing Olympic champion Tom Jager at the WAC a few years later. Apparently, Tom was in town to film a com- mercial for the upcoming Goodwill Games, needed a practice swim, and felt no other pool would do. In 2002, the pool was officially named in Helene Madison's honor and an extensive remodel returned much of the Art Deco design to its early glory. Today, the pool is experiencing another era of competitive swimming, with top age-group triathletes using it to prepare for summer's open- water season and various Olympic- and Ironman-distance events. "The pool is just a fun place where everyone knows your name," laughs swim coach and former WAC Aquatics Supervisor Jennifer Mesler. "It produces champions, but it is still a friendly atmosphere." After all, she points out: "It's hard to be formal or unfriendly in a bathing suit!" ➤ Ray Daughters, left, coached Jack Medica, right, to three Olympic medals. "The WAC pool was known as a place where champions were made." –Chuck Kroll 1932 1936 1956 Helene Madison wins three golds in L.A. Jack Medica wins gold and two silvers; Olive McKean wins bronze in Berlin. Nancy Ramey wins silver in Melbourne. O U R H I S T O R I C P O O L ➤ Left to right: Coach Ray Daughters, Mary Lou Petty, Doris Buckley, Olive McKean, Betty Lea, and Jack Medica. The women made up the 1935 world championship women's relay team. Olive and Jack medaled in the 1936 Olympics. 1984 Synchronized swimmer Candy Costie wins gold in L.A.