There is a real person behind the famous "Diving Girl" logo of Jantzen swimwear. Thelma Payne (July 18, 1896 – September 7, 1988) was an Olympic medalist in diving who became an icon.
Payne grew up in Portland, one of three children living with a single mother. She entered the workforce early and did not begin training at the Multnomah Athletic Club until age nineteen. Thelma flourished under Jack Cody, who had entered coaching with a diving background. Thelma would be an early success story before the days of the "Cody Kids". She broke her nose and jaw during diving training once but recovered, calling the pain inconsequential.
Thelma won national diving titles in 1918-20 and competed in the 3-meter event at the Antwerp, Belgium, Olympic Games, the first after World War I and the first with diving events. She won the bronze. Payne was not shy in criticizing the US Olympic Committee for subpar treatment of athletes during the selection process and the trip to Belgium. Thelma had to work a full-time job as a switchboard operator for the City of Portland during that time.
Things changed for her after the Olympics, she was hired as a swimming and diving coach and because of her own use of a Jantzen diving suit, she was selected as an advertising model. Over 100 years later, the "Diving Girl" logo still is seen around the world.
Coaching opened up the world for Payne as well. She moved to Los Angeles in 1926 and coached swimmers there, including Olympians. Thelma remained active in sports, sailing the Pacific with husband Guy Sanborn and swimming and cycling into her 90s.