History of Vicki Draves in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 27, 2024

Victoria Manalo Draves was a Filipino American diver who made history at the 1948 London Olympics. She became the first woman to win gold medals in both platform and springboard diving, the first American woman to achieve two diving gold medals, and the first Asian American Olympic gold medalist. Born in San Francisco, Draves' accomplishment marked a significant milestone in sports history.

December 31, 1924: Birth of Vicki Draves

Victoria Manalo Draves was born in San Francisco on December 31, 1924.

1942: Sammy Lee's Platform Victory

Sammy Lee wins the men's platform diving championship in 1942.

1942: Vicki Draves Graduates High School

Vicki Draves graduated from Commerce High School in San Francisco in 1942.

1943: Vicki Draves' First National Competition

At 19 years old, Vicki Draves competed in her first national AAU diving competition in Indiana, securing a third-place finish in 1943.

1944: Vicki Draves Begins Training with Lyle Draves

Vicki Manalo meets Sammy Lee and Lyle Draves in 1944. She then begins training with Lyle Draves, expanding her skills to include platform diving.

1945: Vicki Manalo Returns to San Francisco

Following the death of her father, Vicki Manalo moves back to San Francisco and resumes her secretarial job at the Army Port Surgeon's office in 1945.

July 12, 1946: Vicki Manalo Marries Lyle Draves

Vicki Manalo and Lyle Draves wed on July 12, 1946.

1947: Vicki Draves' Continued National Success

Vicki Draves wins the National Tower Diving Championship for the second consecutive year in 1947.

August 3, 1948: Vicki Draves Wins Olympic Gold in Springboard Diving

Vicki Draves wins her first Olympic gold medal in springboard diving at the London Summer Olympics on August 3, 1948.

1948: Vicki Draves Visits the Philippines

Following her Olympic victory, Vicki Draves visits the Philippines for the first time, making appearances and giving diving exhibitions.

1948: Vicki Draves Makes Olympic History

In 1948, Vicki Draves became the first woman to win gold medals in both platform and springboard diving at the Summer Olympics in London.

1948: Vicki Draves' Third National Championship Win

Vicki Draves achieves her third consecutive National Tower Diving Championship title in 1948.

1948: Vicki Draves Turns Professional

Vicki Draves begins her professional diving career, joining Larry Crosby's "Rhapsody in Swimtime" aquatic show in Chicago in 1948.

1949: Vicki Draves Featured in Life Magazine

Vicki Draves is recognized as one of the top two U.S. athletes at the 1948 Olympics in a 1949 issue of Life magazine.

1949: Vicki Draves Tours with "Aqua Parade"

Vicki Draves tours the U.S., Canada, and Europe with Buster Crabbe's "Aqua Parade" in 1949.

1950: Vicki Draves Continues Touring with "Aqua Parade"

Vicki Draves concludes her tour with Buster Crabbe's "Aqua Parade" in 1950.

1968: Vicki Draves Participates in Charity Event

Vicki Draves joins other athletes at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas to raise funds for the City of Hope National Medical Center in 1968.

1969: Vicki Draves Inducted into International Swimming Hall of Fame

Vicki Draves is inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1969.

1995: Vicki and Lyle Draves Move to Palm Springs

Vicki and Lyle Draves relocate to Palm Springs, California in 1995.

2000: Vicki Draves Receives Standing Ovation

Vicki Draves receives a standing ovation from 2000 graduating students at the City College of San Francisco commencement ceremony in 2005.

May 27, 2005: Vicki Draves Honored by City College of San Francisco

Vicki Draves receives the Most Outstanding Alumnus award from City College of San Francisco and delivers a speech at their commencement ceremony on May 27, 2005.