When Don Schollander arrived on Yale's campus as a freshman in January 1965, he was already swimming royalty with a resume that included both world records and a bevy of Olympic gold medals.
Living up to expectations would be impossible for the young Oregonian, because no one could envision a limit for the nation's top athlete in 1964, the first American to win four gold medals at a single Olympic Games since Jesse Owens three decades before.
Schollander acknowledged it following his first matchup with rival Harvard as a freshman. The Crimson crowd booed when he was not scheduled to compete against its star Bill Shrout in the 50-yard freestyle. He told the New York Times "that hissing made me kind of mad." He then set national freshman records in both the 200- and 500-yard free events to win the crowd over.
The 18-year-old was asked about his limits and where he could go? He admitted that he had nowhere to go "but down." Yet Schollander was far from done. There were challenges on the horizon.
Schollander was clearly a unique talent as a youth, but also had a deep desire for a balanced life. As a 15-year-old, he joined the Santa Clara Swim Club and was instructed by his coach George Haines to track his daily workouts and progressions. Schollander asked if that was required. "I just don't feel like living swimming 24 hours a day," he said.
An age-group phenom, Schollander was at his peak in October 1964 at the Tokyo Games. He set an Olympic record in the 100 meters (53.4) to win his first gold and followed with a world record in the 400 (4:12.2). He added two relay winners to become the first swimmer to claim four gold medals in a Games. One of the Japanese reporters wrote that Schollander 'hydroplaned' to victory.
For Brett Hoover's full story, please visit ivy50.com. Note, there are Ivy postcards of Don Schollander and all of the other athletes who have been profiled available by clicking here.
When Don Schollander arrived on Yale's campus as a freshman in January 1965, he was already swimming royalty with a resume that included both world records and a bevy of Olympic gold medals.