David Browning

David Greig "Skippy" Browning Jr. (June 5, 1931 – March 13, 1956) was a diver from the United States and Olympic champion. He represented the US at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, where he received a gold medal in springboard diving.[2][3] After his Olympic victory in Helsinki, Browning shinnied up a flag pole to steal an Olympic flag and was arrested.[4]

David Browning
Browning at the 1952 Olympics
Personal information
Full nameDavid Greig Browning Jr.
Nickname(s)Skippy
NationalityUnited States
Born(1931-06-05)June 5, 1931
Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.[1]
DiedMarch 13, 1956(1956-03-13) (aged 24)
Near Rantoul, Kansas, U.S.[1]
EducationBusiness administration, University of Texas
OccupationUnited States Naval Aviator
Years active1948–1956
Sport
SportDiving
Event(s)Springboard diving
University teamUniversity of Texas
ClubTexas Longhorns[1]
Achievements and titles
Olympic finals1952
Medal record
Representing the  United States
Olympic Games
1952 Helsinki Springboard
Updated on 25 July 2012.

Browning married Corinne L. Couch on September 7, 1950. In January 1953 he graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in business administration. In June 1955 he received his wings as a pilot in the United States Navy at Pensacola, Florida. On March 13, 1956, he was on a training flight in an AFJS Fury jet carrier fighter when the plane crashed near Rantoul, Kansas, killing Browning.[3] At the time, he was scheduled to be reassigned to Los Angeles to begin training for the 1956 Summer Olympics.[5]

Browning was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1975.[5] His father was his coach and instructor.

See also

References
  1. Skippy Browning. sports-reference.com
  2. "Diving results for the 1952 Summer Olympics". databaseSports.com. Archived from the original on September 23, 2012. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  3. "BROWNING, DAVID GREIG, JR". Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  4. Wallechinsky, David; Loucky, Jaime (2012). The Complete Book of the Olympics 2012 Edition. London: Aurum Press. p. 593. ISBN 978-1-84513-695-6.
  5. "David "Skippy" Browning (USA) – 1975 Honor Diver". ISHOF, Inc. 1975. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
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