LUCY CROCKER URICK

1997 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

Lucy is considered one of the top swimmers of all time in Rhode Island and one of the only women to hold a world record. Beginning her swimming career at the Olneyville Boys Club under George Patrick and the RI Aquatic Association, Lucy’s forte was obvious, the freestyle events.

She swam in numerous local and New England AAU meets and held state records in the 150 IM and 220 freestyle. In 1949, she was also chosen for the Rhode Island Women’s All-State Team for the 220 and 400 freestyle and was named the New England Senior Women’s Champion in similar freestyle events.

She continued to hold her All-State title in Rhode Island and established a RI record for the 50 freestyle in 1951. Lucy then traveled to Texas to compete in the Nationals, where she reached the finals in the 100 and 400 freestyle.

In 1952, Lucy enrolled at Purdue University, which greatly impacted her swimming career. As a freshman, she anchored the 400 freestyle relay team which set an American record. In May of that same year, Lucy anchored the 300 Medley Relay Team in which a world record was set. She went on to place third in the National Long-Distance Championship and was selected to the Women’s All-American Swimming Team for the 800 yd. and 800 meter freestyle relay teams. In 1953, Lucy set an American record in the 200 freestyle.

During her remaining years at Purdue, Lucy’s success in the freestyle events led her to a pinnacle in her swimming career as a member of world record relay teams. In 1954, she anchored two relay teams, the 400 freestyle relay and the 400 medley relay team, which set world records. Again in 1955 and 1956, Lucy was on the 400 freestyle relay team which also set a world record.

Lucy was married after her graduation from Purdue and recently celebrated her 40th wedding Anniversary. She and her husband are parents of two daughters and one son and have five grandchildren.