Helene Madison started swimming at Green Lake when she was 12 years old. At 19, she swept the women's freestyle swimming events in the 1932 Olympics. That year, she held all 16 women's world freestyle records and 56 American awards. When she returned to Seattle, the city presented her with a car, a Navy and Police escort and Seattle's largest ticker tape parade. Madison was unable to compete further in Olympic events due to some brief and unsuccessful professional endeavors. The challenges of two failed marriages, debt, diabetes and cancer filled Madison's later years in life.

This image depicts Helene Madison, her swimsuit displaying the Washington Athletic Club logo, with Charlie Fisher, the swimming coach at Fleishhacker Pool in San Francisco. This photograph was probably taken at the Far Western Swimming Championships held at Fleishhacker Pool on September 6 and 7, 1930. Madison, under coach Ray Daughters, competed in the 100 and 200 meters free style races. By this time, Madison was already holder of all the world free style swimming records.

Stamped on verso: Fred Mae, Photo. San Francisco, Calif.