100 metres Backstroke, Women

The favorite was Canada’s Elaine Tanner, the 1967 Pan American Games champion who had set two world records in the event in 1967. But missing was the current world record holder, Karen Muir of South Africa, who could not compete because her nation was banned from the Olympics because of its policy of apartheid in sport (and elsewhere), and would remain banned until 1992. America’s Kaye Hall, second at the 1967 Pan Ams, was expected to contend and medal. In the semi-finals Tanner bested Hall and posted the fastest qualifier. In the final, Hall made the turn first in 30.9, with Tanner on her shoulder, and America’s Jane Swagerty in third. And that is how they would finish, as Tanner could not catch Hall, who won an upset gold medal.