PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- Rutgers women's swimming and diving mourn the loss of Sue Pitt Anderson (DC '73). Anderson was a former world record holder and two-time Olympian who passed away on Nov. 23 at the age of 76. Anderson, who hailed from nearby Highland Park, set a new world record in the 200-meter butterfly (long course) of 2:29.1 in 1963, shortly after turning 15-years old.

At the age of 16, she represented the United States at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, swimming for the gold medal-winning U.S. team in the preliminary heats of the women's 4x100-meter medley relay. Unlike today, she was not eligible for a medal under the 1964 international swimming rules because she did not swim in the event final.

At the close of the 1965 school year, the New Jersey High School Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSAA) and the virtually all-male sportswriter contingent selected Anderson as High School Athlete of the Year. Sue showed up to receive her award and was ushered to an outside lobby area where she received her award away from the spotlight.

After enrolling at the University of Vermont, Anderson retired from swimming for a brief stint due to the lack of opportunities available for female athletes.

Following the 1967 summer nationals, Anderson decided to return to the pool with a chance to make the 1968 Olympic Team. Anderson transferred to Rutgers and trained with the men's team. At age 20, she became the second-oldest woman on the USA's 1968 Olympic Team and was voted team captain.

In 1973, Anderson set a record for the 200 Individual Medley (long course) at the U.S. Masters Swimming meet with a time of 2:50.50.

A 1973 graduate of Douglass College with a degree in political science, Anderson served in the Peace Corps in Tunisia, developing the national youth swim program, and continued with a career in coaching.  She coached the Scarlet Jets and assistant coached the men's and women's teams at Rutgers. After coaching a local Y team, she founded and served as the head coach of the Scarlet Aquatic Club. Additionally, Anderson served as USA Swimming's Director of Programs and Services and was a longtime contributor as an LSC consultant.

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