SoMa in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Victoria Manalo Draves

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, July 14, 2018

1. Victoria Manalo Draves Marker

Inscription. Victoria Manalo Draves was the first Asian-American woman to win an Olympic medal when she earned gold medals in the 3-meter springboard and the 10-meter platform diving competitions at the 1948 Olympics. Born in the South of Market area to an English mother and Filipino father, Ms. Manalo Draves attended the school adjacent to this site, which later became Bessie Carmichael Elementary School. Ms. Manalo Draves achieved her success despite facing discrimination early in her diving career. Her achievement continues to serve as an inspiration for all athletes interested in competition regardless of race, creed or national origin.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Asian Americans • Sports • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1948.

Location. 37° 46.659′ N, 122° 24.383′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in SoMa. Marker is at the intersection of Columbia Square and Folsom Street, on the right when traveling south on Columbia Square. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Francisco CA 94103, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old United States Mint (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Barbary Coast Trail (approx. 0.4 miles away); Ringold Alley (approx. 0.4 miles away); Dalt Hotel c. 1910

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(approx. 0.4 miles away); Dahlia Hotel (approx. 0.4 miles away); Compton's Cafeteria Riot - 1966 (approx. half a mile away); Gene Compton's Cafeteria Riot 1966 (approx. half a mile away); The Bulldog Baths (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.

More about this marker. The marker is mounted to the fence just to the left of the entrance into Victoria Manalo Draves Park.

Also see . . .
1. Vicki Draves (Wikipedia). "Victoria Manalo Draves (December 31, 1924 – April 11, 2010) was an American competition diver who won gold medals in both platform and springboard diving in the 1948 Summer Olympics in London.[3] Draves became the first woman to be awarded gold medals for both the ten-meter platform and the three-meter springboard. Additionally, Draves became the first American woman to win two gold medals in diving. She was born in San Francisco." (Submitted on July 14, 2018.)

2. Vicki Draves Wins Amazing Double Diving Gold - London 1948 Olympics (YouTube, 2.5 mins). "Victoria 'Vicki' Draves wins the incredible 10m and 3m diving

Victoria Manalo Draves Marker - Wide View image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, July 14, 2018

2. Victoria Manalo Draves Marker - Wide View

double gold medal in these classic highlights from the London 1948 Olympic Games." (Submitted on July 15, 2018.)

Photographed By Associated Press (via Wikimedia Commons), August 3, 1948

3. Victoria Manalo Draves Marker - Wide View

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2018, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 300 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 14, 2018, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.