(May 26, 1924 – Mar. 26, 2001) Brenda Helser was part of an outstanding group of young swimmers who represented the Multnomah Athletic Club, and won a gold medal at the 1948 London Summer Olympic Games as part of the 4×100 meter relay team.

Helser competed at Stanford University where she graduated in 1946. She then trained under coach Jack Cody, who helped her reach the 1948 Olympics in three events. Helser battled Ann Curtis throughout 1948 for the national record in the 100-meter freestyle, but at the Olympics Curtis won silver, while Helser did not place. Helser, who had moved to Los Angeles, finished fifth in the 400 freestyle, which Curtis won.

Under Cody’s guidance, Helser helped the MAC swimmers, who included fellow Olympians Suzanne Zimmerman and Nancy Merki, win 42 individual, 16 relay and three team national titles from 1939 to 1948.

Helser was inducted to the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. She is also a member of the Stanford University Hall of Fame.