US swimmer Ann Curtis dies at 86

Ann Curtis , the swimmer from San Francisco, which has been denied the chance to win two gold medals in the Olympics due to World War II, died June 26 at home in San Rafael. He was 86 years.

Curtis died June 26 at home in San Rafael, north of San Francisco, ofAlzheimer complications from Alzheimer's, said his daughter Carrie Cuneo.

Born in San Francisco who was trained by the famous swimming coach Charlie Sava, Curtis has established a record by winning 34 championships in Amateur Athletic Union national during his career 1943-1948.

"The world has never seen a girl like that swimmer," said Sava, the 1943 national championship in Indianapolis.

In 1944, the swimmer 5-foot-10, of 160 pounds became the first woman and the first swimmer to receive the James E. Sullivan, which is delivered by the outstanding amateur athlete in the country.

Curtis, who was enrolled as a freshman at UC Berkeley this year, was also named female athlete of the year by an Associated Press poll of sports editors in the country.

Because the Olympics were suspended during World War II, he was able to compete in 1944.

At the time the Games were resumed in London in 1948, Curtis had broken numerous world and national records.

In the 100 meters freestyle, the player 22 years old, slipped a little, "as he plunged into the water and won a silver medal that came from two tenths of a second behind the winner.

However, Curtis established an Olympic record and won the gold medal in the 400 meters freestyle. He won his second gold medal in a swimming installed coming from behind victory over the U.S. 4 x 100 meters freestyle.

Back in San Francisco, Curtis and his Olympic teammates were given a triumphal parade for Market Street.

"It was always exciting!" recalled in an interview in 2008 with the San Francisco Chronicle. "I was lucky to resume the game at a time when I was competing. There were very good swimmers before my time, and it was too late for them."

During its heyday, 1940, Curtis has appeared on the cover of Collier, Newsweek and other national magazines. It also rejected an offer from MGM.

"He was very modest, and dodged any praise," said his daughter. "If someone was to congratulate her swimming, she said:" I had a great coach. ""

Born in San Francisco March 6, 1926, Curtis will be taught to swim in a boarding Ursulines nuns in Santa Rosa and began swimming competitively at age 11.