Evening Republican, Volume 14, Number 308, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 December 1910 — YOUNG GIRL IS CHAMPION SWIMMER [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

YOUNG GIRL IS CHAMPION SWIMMER

When Annette Kellerman, the undisputed champion of the world at the time, attemped to reach Boston Light from Charlestown bridge, in Boston harbor, and failed, it was the universal opinion that no other feminine swimmer would ever again essay the trip. Three months ago, however, a fairhaired, stocky, fifteen-year-old girl from Dorchester, Mass., contending against diverse conditions and treacherous tides, succeeded where Annette Kellerman and hundreds of ambitious and expert swimmers all over the world had failed. She established a new record and reached without dispute the much-prized goal which has been fruitlessly sought for years. She can justly claim to be the greatest woman swimmer of the age. Alolse Andere, the only other living contestant who reached the light, and whose accomplishment of this extraordinary feat has been disputed.

was favored by far better conditions than' the plucky little Dorchester swimmer; and his course was fully two miles shorter than that taken by her. Those who followed Rose Pitonof through the long, exhaustive grind and marveled at her wonderful exhibition of swimming, her determination and perseverance, her unbounded confidence, enthusiasm and gameness, at the manner in which she was able to spurt at the finish and at her splendid condition as she came out of the water, are firmly convinced that she is second to no one as a swimmer. Little Miss Pitonof is the proud possessor of innumerable trophies won in various amateur and professional aquatic events. She has loving cups, gold and silver medals, blue ribbons, diamond-studded jewels and, indeed, enough of the precious metals in the form of prizes to stock a first-class jewelry store.

Ross Pitonof.