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University of Massachusets Athletics
Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 2001
- Class:
- 1941
Dorothy Donnelly, despite attending the University of Massachusetts, at a time when a women's swimming team was nonexistent, went on to become a world-class swimmer. She worked out with the Massachusetts men's team in the distance events and according to her nominator, was "the best swimmer of either sex at the time."
Donnelly was a member of the U.S. Olympic Team in 1940, and competed in the 100-meter freestyle, the 400-meter freestyle and as a member of the 400-meter freestyle relay, but did not place in any of the events.
A native of Worcester, Mass., Donnelly reached her peak during the World War II years when no games were held. She continued to swim until her death in 2000 and was active in AAU master swimming events and holds every world record in her age group.
She was inducted into the UMass Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001.
