Swim Wales was proud to celebrate the life and legacy of Irene Steer, the trailblazing Cardiff swimmer who became the first Welsh woman to win Olympic gold in 1912.
On Friday 19th September, her remarkable achievements were officially recognised with a Purple Plaque unveiled at Roath Park Lake, Cardiff, where she swam and trained.
The unveiling pays tribute to Steer’s historic achievement at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, the first to allow women to compete in swimming. Irene swam the anchor leg of the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay to secure gold for Great Britain in a then world-record time of 5:52.8.
Born and raised in Cardiff, Steer was just 23 years old when she made history in Stockholm, and one of only 50 women competing among 2,500 athletes.
The Purple Plaques campaign seeks to shine a light on extraordinary women in Welsh history whose contributions have too often been overlooked. Placing Irene Steer’s plaque at Roath Park Lake, helps ensure that her story will continue to inspire the next generation.
Sue Essex, of Purple Plaques Wales, described Steer as “truly remarkable,” noting how fitting it was for her plaque to be placed at the lake for all to see.
For Swim Wales, her story is a reminder of the rich heritage of Welsh swimming. From Steer’s gold medal in 1912, it would be 96 years before another Welsh woman, cyclist Nicole Cooke, claimed gold in Beijing.
Fergus Feeney, Swim Wales Chief Executive, described her as “ahead of her time”
“Leaving Cardiff to represent GB in 1912 would have been seen as breaking the mould for women of that era. Women couldn’t even vote until 1928 and this was at a time when women’s independence and the suffragette movement was at its peak. It’s hugely impressive to think there were only 50 women at the games and she was one of them.”
Feeney added:
“Steer was a trailblazer, innovator and is a legend in our community. She has paved the way and inspired generations of Welsh aquatic athletes, such as Jazz Carlin, Georgia Davies and Alys Thomas.”
The unveiling was also attended by Irene’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were delighted to see their family member receive this recognition 113 years after the games.
Catrin Stevens, historian and project manager for Women’s Archive Wales, praised Steers achievements and adds that it’s important that these sportswomen are also remembered alongside their male counterparts.
Hanna Guise, Swim Wales Learn to Swim Manager added “I hope she continues to inspire Welsh children to achieve their dreams and do whatever they can to be physically active and live their lives to the best.”
You can learn more and catch up with interviews from the day below.
BBC Sport Wales: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/videos/c2dnj9r3gpdo
Radio Wales Breakfast interview (1:26:54s): Radio Wales Breakfast – With Oliver Hides and Catrin Heledd – BBC Sounds
