Catherine (Clara) LaMore was a swimmer who represented the United States at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London. She placed 7th in the 200 breaststroke. Clara was born into a postman’s family in Providence, Rhode Island on July 2, 1926. She began to swim competitively at the Oneyville Boy’s Club in 1941. During her early career, she was trained by her mother Irene. LaMore won the AAU breaststroke titles over 200 m (outdoor, 1945), 100 yd (indoor, 1947), and 220 yd (indoor, 1948).
Clara’s achievements in swimming are truly remarkable. She was a unique talent, and her accomplishments in swimming are unparalleled in Rhode Island. For five years, she remained undefeated, both indoors and outdoors, in all strokes and distances. Her prowess was recognized when she became the only female to be awarded the Sportscaster’s and Writers’ Words Unlimited Award, as the R.I. Athlete of the Year in 1947. She holds an impressive record of eleven All-American titles, five National championships, two American Records, and one world record, a testament to her exceptional skill and dedication to the sport.
She semi-retired from swimming after the 1948 Olympics, worked for New England Telephone, then would become a nun, in The Sisters of the Cenacle. In 1964, LaMore was one of the first two women to graduate from Providence College. She later became a teacher and guidance counselor at Western Hills Middle School in Cranston, Rhode Island. When she was 54 years old, LaMore began to have difficulty with back pain and a doctor recommended she resume swimming, after 33 years out of the pool. She not only resumed swimming but also distinguished herself as the most accomplished master’s swimmer of her time. She was undefeated for over 10 years and was selected the Outstanding Masters Swimmer in her age group for eight consecutive years, competing into her 70s. She set over 180 world records, and 465 American records.
After her illustrious swimming career, Clara LaMore’s life took on new dimensions. She married a Naval officer, Donald Walker, and the couple lived in Europe for seven years until his sudden death in 1970. Following her retirement from competitive swimming, Clara dedicated herself to water safety, becoming a Water Safety Instructor for the American Red Cross. Her commitment to service extended to her later years, as she continued to contribute to the field of swimming. She passed away in North Smithfield, Rhode Island on April 2, 2021, at the age of 94. Her legacy lives on through her numerous accolades, including her induction into The Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame in 1968, the Rhode Island Aquatic Hall of Fame in 1981, and the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1995.
For additional reading:
1. Sports-Reference.com, Olympic Sports, Athletes, Clara LaMore, November 15, 2012.
2. International Swimming Hall of Fame. September 23, 1995.
3. Clara LaMore One-Woman Team. The Pittsburgh Press. April 10, 1946
4. Former Olympic swimmer from RI dies at age 94, Providence Journal, April 3, 2021.