Penelope Probert Boorman

Penelope Probert Boorman is a former Pan-American Games swimmer and equestrian. Competing at the 1959 Pan American Games in Chicago, Boorman captured a gold medal in the 100-meter butterfly and silver medals in the 200-meter backstroke and 400-meter medal relay. As a teenager, she won the Alfred B. Maclay Hunter Seat Championship, an equestrian competition at Madison Square Garden. Years later, Boorman exercised Jacqueline Kennedy's horses while working at the Essex Fox Hounds Club in Gladstone, New Jersey.

Early life and education

Boorman began competing with semi-professional swimming teams at age 14. She also performed in synchronized swimming. Competing with the Newark Athletic Club in Newark, New Jersey, Boorman made several appearances on WATV (now WNET) TV programs during the 1950s. In 1951, Boorman graduated from the Beard School in Orange, New Jersey (now Morristown-Beard School). The school elected Boorman to its Athletic Hall of Fame in 1991.

In 1955, Boorman earned her bachelor's degree from Hood College, a liberal arts college in Frederick, Maryland. She later served as a member of Hood College's Board of Trustees. Hood College awarded Boorman their Excellence in Service to Hood College Award in 1990. The award honors an "alumna or alumnus who has shown continuing loyalty and outstanding service to Hood College."

U.S. Masters swimming

Boorman has competed in competitions run by the New Jersey chapter of U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS) since 1986. In 2003, she finished in sixth place for the timed trials for her age bracket in the women's 50-meter freestyle at the USMS National Long Course Championships in Phoenix, Arizona. Boorman also finished in seventh place for The 50-meter and 100-meter breaststroke.

Service work

Probert has taught swimming. She has also served as president of a care facility for Alzheimer's patients.

Family

Penny Boorman married Dean Boorman, a city planner for New York City, in 1960. They have three children.