Enriqueta Duarte, an iconic Argentine swimmer and a trailblazer for women in sports, passed away on July 3, 2025, at the age of 96. Duarte, who was celebrated for her exceptional achievements in the world of swimming, leaves behind a legacy that spans over decades of dedication, determination, and groundbreaking feats that will continue to inspire generations of athletes to come.
Born on February 26, 1929, in the Palermo district of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Duarte was destined for greatness. Her father, Don Roque Duarte, a sportsman and journalist, introduced her to the world of athletics from a young age. At just nine years old, she began to learn swimming at the Club Obras Sanitarias de la Nación, where her father worked. It was here that Duarte honed her skills in her two favorite strokes and began her path to becoming one of Argentina’s most celebrated athletes.
Duarte’s talent in swimming became apparent early on, and by the age of 12, she had already won her first tournament at Obras Sanitarias. Impressed by her natural ability, the club’s coach encouraged her parents to allow her to train with the club’s team, which she eagerly accepted. Duarte’s passion for swimming, combined with her natural talent, led her to win numerous national championships in the 1940s. These victories would set the stage for her future accomplishments in the world of competitive swimming.
As a young swimmer, Duarte excelled in both freestyle and relay events, becoming the national champion in the 100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters, and 800 meters. She also set multiple national records in these disciplines. Her success on the national level was followed by her debut in international competition at the South American Championships in 1946. The rising star continued to shine, earning her a spot at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London.
At the 1948 Olympics, Duarte competed in three events: the 100m freestyle, the 400m freestyle, and the 4×100 freestyle relay. Although she did not win any medals, her participation in these events marked a significant milestone in her career. She finished 32nd in the 100m freestyle, 18th in the 400m freestyle, and was part of the relay team that placed ninth. Despite the challenges she faced at the Olympics, Duarte’s performance on the international stage proved that she was one of the best swimmers in the world at the time.
Following the Olympics, Duarte faced a setback when she developed an ear issue in 1949, which made her believe that her swimming career was over. During this time, she briefly switched her focus to fencing, but her love for swimming never waned. Duarte made a triumphant return to the pool in 1950, competing at the South American Championships and achieving further success.
In 1951, Duarte made history by becoming the first Latin American woman to swim the English Channel. This achievement came after she had heard about swimmer Antonio Abertondo’s successful crossing of the Channel. Although Duarte had never before competed in open-water swimming, she was determined to take on this monumental challenge. She was coached by Ernesto Caraciolo and joined a swim organized by the Daily Mail on August 16, 1951. Duarte completed the swim in 13 hours and 26 minutes, placing third in the event and setting a South American record. This historic feat not only made her the first Latin American woman to conquer the English Channel but also solidified her place as one of the most accomplished swimmers of her era.
Despite her incredible achievements, Duarte’s life was not without its struggles. During the Revolución Libertadora in the mid-1950s, she became an activist for Juan Perón, which led to her persecution and forced her to live in exile in London for several years. After returning to Argentina, Duarte took time off from competitive swimming to care for her three children. However, in 1963, she made her return to the sport and attempted to swim across Nahuel Huapi Lake. Duarte faced harsh conditions, with temperatures below zero Celsius, and was advised to postpone the swim. However, she ignored the advice and bravely entered the icy waters. She swam eight kilometers to what was supposed to be the starting point and then swam another ten kilometers to complete her crossing. This marked only the beginning of her open-water swimming accomplishments, as she would later cross Nahuel Huapi Lake four more times and also swam across Lácar Lake in 1965.
Duarte’s career did not end with her open-water swims. She also competed in masters swimming events, winning numerous national, South American, Pan American, and world championships between 1985 and 2006. Her success in masters swimming demonstrated that age was no barrier for this formidable athlete. She also competed in the Orinoco and Caroní Rivers in Venezuela in 1998, where she won her category against over 600 competitors, further proving her enduring talent and strength in the water.
Duarte’s personal life was marked by her courage and resilience. In 1975, she moved to Venezuela after a difficult relationship with her husband, whom she accused of trying to harm her. In Venezuela, Duarte continued to pursue her swimming career, eventually becoming a beloved figure in the country. After spending several years in Venezuela, she returned to Argentina in 2005. Throughout her life, Duarte demonstrated a commitment to the sport she loved and an unwavering determination to overcome personal and professional challenges.
In recognition of her extraordinary accomplishments, Duarte received numerous honors throughout her lifetime. In 2007, she was awarded the Sports Achievement Award from the Argentine Chamber of Deputies, and in 2011, she was named an “Outstanding Sports Personality” by the city of Buenos Aires and the municipality of Tigre. These accolades were a testament to her exceptional contributions to the world of swimming and to sports in general.
Duarte’s impact on the sport of swimming, particularly in Latin America, cannot be overstated. She not only broke barriers for women in sports but also paved the way for future generations of athletes to pursue their dreams, no matter the challenges they may face. Her dedication to swimming, her groundbreaking achievements, and her indomitable spirit have left a lasting legacy that will inspire athletes for years to come.
Enriqueta Duarte’s death on July 3, 2025, at the age of 96, marks the end of an era in Argentine swimming. Her legacy as a pioneering swimmer, a champion of open-water swimming, and a tireless competitor will continue to inspire those who follow in her wake. Duarte’s life was one of remarkable achievements, but it was also a life of perseverance, strength, and courage. She will be remembered not only for her victories in the pool but also for the indelible mark she left on the sport of swimming and on the hearts of all who knew her.
Rest in peace, Enriqueta Duarte. Your light will continue to shine brightly in the world of swimming, and your legacy will never be forgotten. ️
