Pauline van der Wildt, Dutch swimmer

Paulina Jacoba van der Wildt, widely known by her more common name, Pauline van der Wildt, is a distinguished retired Dutch swimmer born on January 29, 1944. Her notable career highlight culminated in the achievement of a bronze medal at the prestigious 1964 Summer Olympics, held in Tokyo, Japan, where she showcased her exceptional talent as part of the Netherlands' formidable 4 × 100 meter freestyle relay team.

The 1964 Tokyo Olympics: A Historic Bronze for the Netherlands

The 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo marked a significant moment in Dutch swimming history, particularly for the women's 4 × 100 meter freestyle relay team. This event, a thrilling display of synchronized speed and teamwork, requires four swimmers each to complete a 100-meter freestyle leg, with precise baton-like exchanges ensuring seamless transitions between teammates. Paulina van der Wildt, then 20 years old, played a crucial role in securing the bronze medal, demonstrating the peak of her athletic prowess on the world stage.

The Dutch quartet, comprising Paulina van der Wildt alongside her highly talented teammates Toos Beumer, Erica Terpstra, and Winnie van Weerdenburg, delivered a remarkable performance. They collectively clocked an impressive time of 4 minutes and 12.00 seconds (4:12.0), a testament to their dedication and coordination. This stellar effort placed them third, securing the coveted bronze medal. The gold medal in this event was claimed by the United States with a new world record of 4:03.8, followed by Australia who took silver with a time of 4:06.9, highlighting the intense competition and the high standard of swimming at these Games.

Meet the Medallists: The Powerhouse Relay Team

• Toos Beumer: An integral part of the relay, Beumer contributed her speed to the team's success.
• Erica Terpstra: Beyond her swimming career, Erica Terpstra went on to become a prominent figure in Dutch public life. She served as a Member of Parliament and State Secretary for Health, Welfare and Sport, and later became the president of the Dutch Olympic Committee*Dutch Sports Federation (NOC*NSF), demonstrating a continued commitment to sport and public service.
• Winnie van Weerdenburg: Another key component of the bronze-winning team, van Weerdenburg’s contribution was vital to their collective achievement.

The synergy among these four athletes was paramount to their success, transforming individual talent into a collective triumph that brought Olympic glory to the Netherlands. Paulina van der Wildt's bronze medal remains a cherished part of her legacy and a memorable moment in Dutch Olympic history, underscoring her status as a distinguished figure in the nation's sporting narrative.

Frequently Asked Questions about Paulina Jacoba van der Wildt

Who is Paulina Jacoba van der Wildt?

Paulina Jacoba van der Wildt, also known as Pauline van der Wildt, is a retired Dutch swimmer. She is an Olympic medalist who competed for the Netherlands in the 1964 Summer Olympics.

What medal did Paulina van der Wildt win at the Olympics?

Paulina van der Wildt won a bronze medal in the 4 × 100 meter freestyle relay at the 1964 Summer Olympics.

Where were the 1964 Summer Olympics held?

The 1964 Summer Olympics, where Paulina van der Wildt earned her medal, were held in Tokyo, Japan.

Who were Paulina van der Wildt's teammates in the 1964 Olympic relay?

Her teammates in the bronze medal-winning 4 × 100 meter freestyle relay team were Toos Beumer, Erica Terpstra, and Winnie van Weerdenburg.

What was the time clocked by the Dutch 4 × 100m freestyle relay team in 1964?

The Dutch team, including Paulina van der Wildt, clocked a time of 4 minutes and 12.00 seconds (4:12.0) to win their bronze medal.