Adolph Kiefer
An Olympic swimming pioneer who dominated the backstroke, then revolutionized water safety and equipment for generations to come.
1918–2017 (age 99)·American swimming 1936 Olympic medalist·Birthday: June 27·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Adolph Kiefer wasn't just a champion swimmer; he was a force of innovation who changed the sport in and out of the pool. As a teenager, he stunned the world at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, winning gold in the 100-meter backstroke with such ease that he was never beaten in an international race. He was the first to break the minute barrier in the 100-yard backstroke, shattering world records with a revolutionary straight-arm recovery. His impact deepened after World War II, where, serving in the Navy, he was appalled by poor sailor swimming skills and devised new survival training. This led him to found a company that invented durable nylon swimsuits, the first non-turbulent racing lane lines, and modern kickboards. Kiefer's dual legacy is that of an unmatched athlete and a practical inventor whose products made swimming faster, safer, and more accessible.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Adolph was born in 1918, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Adolph Was Born
The biggest hits of 1918
Adolph's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1918Born
World War I ends; Spanish flu pandemic kills millions
President: Woodrow Wilson
1923Started school
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
1931Became a teenager
The Empire State Building opens as the world's tallest
Gas: $0.17/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Minnie the Moocher" — Cab CallowayBest Picture: Cimarron
1934Could drive
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stars Fell on Alabama" — Jack TeagardenBest Picture: It Happened One Night
1936Could vote
Jesse Owens wins four golds at the Berlin Olympics
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"The Way You Look Tonight" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: The Great Ziegfeld
1939Turned 21
World War II begins; The Wizard of Oz premieres
Gas: $0.19/galMin wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Over the Rainbow" — Judy GarlandBest Picture: Gone with the Wind
1948Turned 30
Israel declares independence; Berlin Blockade begins
Gas: $0.26/galHome: $7,450Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Twelfth Street Rag" — Pee Wee HuntBest Picture: Hamlet
1958Turned 40
NASA founded
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $11,050Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Volare" — Domenico ModugnoBest Picture: Gigi
1968Turned 50
Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy assassinated
Gas: $0.34/galHome: $14,950Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"Hey Jude" — The BeatlesBest Picture: Oliver!
1978Turned 60
First test-tube baby born
Gas: $0.63/galHome: $35,300Min wage: $2.65/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Shadow Dancing" — Andy GibbBest Picture: The Deer Hunter
1988Turned 70
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1998Turned 80
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2017Died at 99
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
Key Achievements
- Won the gold medal in the 100-meter backstroke at the 1936 Berlin Olympics as an 18-year-old.
- Became the first person in history to swim the 100-yard backstroke in under one minute.
- Founded Adolph Kiefer and Associates in 1947, pioneering nylon swimsuits and non-turbulent lane lines.
- Served as the U.S. Navy's Chief Swimming Instructor during World War II, developing survival swimming programs.
Did You Know?
He remained undefeated in official backstroke competition throughout his entire amateur career.
He turned down an invitation to meet Adolf Hitler after his Olympic victory.
His company's innovations included the first pace clocks used on pool decks.
He was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame as both an athlete and a contributor.
“I’m not in the swimming business, I’m in the safety business.”
