Sammy Lee, Diving Beyond Discrimination

The son of Korean immigrants, Sammy Lee was born in Fresno, California, and became both a champion diver and a physician. As a child, he faced a segregated public pool that allowed children of color to swim only one day a week before the pool was drained and cleaned. He continued to train despite that discrimination.

Lee won the 10-meter platform at the 1948 Olympic Games in London, becoming the first Asian American to win an Olympic gold medal for the United States. He defended the title at the 1952 Helsinki Games and became the first man to win consecutive Olympic gold medals in the 10-meter platform.

After graduating from the University of Southern California School of Medicine, Lee practiced medicine and served as a U.S. Army doctor during the Korean War. He later coached younger divers, passing his experience and skill to a new generation.

Reference: Team USA Hall of Fame, Sammy Lee.