The famous Iris Cumming Critchell was once a fierce swimmer and then an honorable fighter pilot. In the year of 1939, Iris started her journey at the University of California’s civilian Pilot Training program. Iris was born on December 21st, 1920 in Los Angeles, California. She participated in the 1936 Summer Olympics at only 15 years old.
 She represented the United States in Berlin, placing fourth in the 200-meter breaststroke. After her swimming journey, she decided to join the Women’s Air Force military. In the year of 1944, she started to serve as a ferry pilot with the Army Air Corps. After the war, Iris Cumming Critchell served as a director of the Bates Foundation’s Aeronautics Program at Harvey Mudd. She was a lecturer in aeronautics and a chief flight instructor for the flight training program.Â
Unfortunately, Iris passed away on January 25th, 2025 at the age of 104. But Iris will never be forgotten because she is remembered as a fierce swimmer and a brave pilot. In the years of her life, she inspired many other women to study Aeronautics.
