DORIS BRENNAN WEIR

1981 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

Doris began her career as an eleven year old girl seeking swimming lessons at the Olneyville Boys’ Club.  Under the watchful eye of Joe Watmough, she blossomed into one of the most outstanding female swimmers of her time.  Doris won all the New England Junior and Senior Swimming Championships in every event from the 100 yard distance to the 3 and 1/2 mile long distance swims.  In 1940, she qualified for the Olympic games in Finland, which were cancelled because of World War II.  One of Doris’ greatest thrills was winning her first National Championship title (500 yard freestyle) in Chicago, 1937.  The event took place on her father’s birthday.  Doris graduated from Sargent College in 1942.  She taught school at Classical High School and the University of New Hampshire.  She is a member of the Boston University Hall of Fame and the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame.  She was also made an Honorary Cadet Colonel of the Boston University ROTC Regiment.  Doris’ latest achievement was serving as Building Committee Chairperson for the McDermott Indoor Pool in Warwick, R.I.