Ethelda is a backstroke swimmer and held a record in her age in which she held a world record. Ethelda is an Olympic winner where she was overcoming from an illness, polio. She had won 3 gold medals in the 1920 Olympics. Bleibtrey's first record of work ,in which she had won her first gold. Her third gold medal was where she had set another world record in her 300 metre - freestyle. Ethelda had also became professional when she had won the 100 metre relay. One time Ethelda was also arrested, she was swimming in Central Park, in which she wanted to contribute more by having New York City contribute more swimming pools. Later on in life, she was a teacher and a coach who taught swimming to kids who were handicapped. Ethelda was congratulated by the King of Belgium, King Albert. She was an 1967 honor swimmer. An interesting fact that is held is that, women were supposed to compete in long skirts in Olympic games in those times, but this did not stop them from competing. Ethelda had also bobbed her hair, this hairstyle was famous in the 1920's for progressing as the ''flapper" hairstyle. This hairstyle also symbolized women gaining Independence. This hairstyle was made popular by Irene Castle. Bleibtrey has never lost a race and had tried to make swimming pools in NYC by protesting in Central Park. She was added to the International Hall of fame in 1967.