Fact of the Day
1998-08-18

Career Cut Short
Nancy Riach was a smiling and charming 20 year old freestyle champion from Great Britain competing at the 1947 European Swimming Championships in Monte Carlo when tragedy struck.

While at the Games she contracted poliomyelitis. However she continued to swim despite being ill and against doctor's orders.In her last race which was a heat of the 100m freestyle she managed to finish 4th. After getting out of the water she was rushed to hospital, where she died the day after the championships ended.

Nancy had been the 1946 British Champion in the 100y, 220y and 440y freestyle distances.