Tineke Lagerberg, Dutch swimmer

Tineke Lagerberg: A Distinguished Dutch Swimmer and Olympic Medalist

Catharina Bernadetta Jacoba, widely known by her more familiar name, "Tineke" Lagerberg, born on January 30, 1941, is a celebrated retired Dutch swimmer whose impactful career left a notable mark on international swimming during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Lagerberg distinguished herself through a combination of individual brilliance and crucial contributions to successful Dutch relay teams, achieving both Olympic glory and world record status.

Breaking Barriers: Tineke Lagerberg's World Records in 1958

The year 1958 proved to be a pivotal period in Tineke Lagerberg's burgeoning career, showcasing her exceptional talent and versatility in the water. She was instrumental in setting two significant world records:

• Individual World Record in 200m Butterfly: On September 13, 1958, in her home country at Naarden, Netherlands, Lagerberg demonstrated her prowess by setting a new world record in the women's 200-meter butterfly event. This achievement underscored her individual dominance in a technically demanding stroke, establishing her as a formidable force in global swimming.
• Team World Record in 4x100m Medley Relay: In the same remarkable year, Lagerberg was a vital component of the Dutch relay team that etched their names into history by setting a new world record in the 4x100m medley relay. This event, which combines four different swimming strokes – backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and freestyle – highlighted the collective strength and coordination of the Dutch squad, with Lagerberg typically anchoring the freestyle leg. Such a team record not only showcased her individual speed but also her invaluable contribution to national team success.

Olympic Achievement at the 1960 Rome Summer Games

Tineke Lagerberg's career crescendoed at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Italy, where she cemented her legacy as an Olympic medalist:

• Bronze Medal in 400m Freestyle: Lagerberg claimed the bronze medal in the highly competitive 400-meter freestyle event. Her impressive time of 4:56.9 secured her place on the Olympic podium, marking a significant personal triumph and adding to the Netherlands' medal tally at the Games. This long-distance freestyle event demands immense stamina and strategic pacing, attributes Lagerberg clearly possessed.
• Olympic Record in 4x100m Medley Relay Preliminaries: In a testament to the depth of Dutch swimming talent, Tineke Lagerberg was also part of the formidable Dutch 4x100m medley relay team that shattered the existing Olympic record during the preliminary heats. While achieving an Olympic record in the preliminaries is a remarkable feat demonstrating elite performance, the team ultimately finished fourth in the hotly contested final. This narrow miss of a second Olympic medal highlights the incredibly fine margins at the highest level of competitive swimming. Lagerberg's participation in setting the preliminary record solidified her integral role in the team's strong Olympic campaign.

Legacy and Impact

Following her distinguished career, Tineke Lagerberg retired from competitive swimming, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable achievements. Her world records, particularly in the 200m butterfly and as part of the 4x100m medley relay, along with her Olympic bronze medal, underscore her status as one of the Netherlands' prominent swimmers of her era. Her performances not only brought personal acclaim but also contributed significantly to the international reputation of Dutch swimming.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tineke Lagerberg

What were Tineke Lagerberg's main achievements in swimming?

Tineke Lagerberg achieved an Olympic bronze medal in the 400m freestyle at the 1960 Rome Olympics. She also broke the world record in the women's 200m butterfly and was part of the Dutch team that set a world record in the 4x100m medley relay, both in 1958. Additionally, her Olympic relay team set an Olympic record in the preliminary heats of the 4x100m medley at the 1960 Games.

When and where did Tineke Lagerberg win her Olympic medal?

Tineke Lagerberg won her bronze medal in the 400m freestyle event at the 1960 Summer Olympics, which were held in Rome, Italy.

Did Tineke Lagerberg set any world records?

Yes, Tineke Lagerberg set two world records in 1958: one individually in the 200m butterfly (on September 13, 1958, in Naarden, Netherlands) and another as part of the Dutch 4x100m medley relay team in the same year.

What was Tineke Lagerberg's role in the 1960 Olympic 4x100m medley relay?

Tineke Lagerberg was part of the Dutch 4x100m medley relay team that broke the Olympic record in the preliminary heats of the 1960 Rome Olympics. While the team performed exceptionally in the preliminaries, they ultimately finished fourth in the final.