Adolph Kiefer has died at the age of 98

Adolph Kiefer who was America's Olympic swimming gold medalist in the 30's has died at the age of 98.He had suffered from neuropathy in both legs and hands and has been confined to a wheelchair ever since.


He made a name for himself when he was just 16 years of age by breaking the one minute mark in 100 yard backstroke and also endorsed as the youngest member of the U.S. Olympic team.At the Olympic games in Berlin in 1936,Kiefer won the gold medal in the 100 meter backstroke.

The U.S. Olympic Team on it's twitter handle announced his death earlier today:

''Adolph Kiefer,1936 swimming gold medalist & the oldest living U.S. Olympic champion,has died at the age of 98.''

Adolph Kiefer also served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and established Adolph Kiefer & Associates,Inc.in 1947.He died at his home in Wadsworth,Illinois.