An American swimmer who won four Olympic medals, including two golds, at the 2016 Rio Olympics, setting an American record in the 200m backstroke. She's a decorated athlete in the swimming world.
Maya DiRado is a retired American competitive swimmer who etched her name in the annals of history with her phenomenal performances in the 2016 Summer Olympics, winning four Olympic medals, including two golds, in freestyle, butterfly, backstroke, and individual medley events.
DiRado's exceptional swimming career spanned over a decade, during which she emerged as a stalwart in the American swimming team, known for her versatility and dominance in multiple events.
Born on April 5, 1993, in Santa Rosa, California, Maya DiRado is the daughter of Marit (née Parker) and Ruben DiRado. Her father, of Italian-Argentine descent, instilled in her a passion for swimming, which she took up at the tender age of six, joining the Santa Rosa Neptunes with her Olympic teammate Molly Hannis.
DiRado's talent was evident from a young age, as she went on to become a three-time high school state champion in the 200-yard IM, setting the California state record with a time of 1:56.17 in her senior year.
DiRado followed in her family's footsteps and attended Stanford University, where she became an integral part of the Cardinal swimming team. During her freshman year, she finished second in the 200-yard IM and third in the 400-yard IM at the Division 1 NCAA Championships.
Her impressive performances earned her multiple NCAA titles, including the 200-yard and 400-yard IM events in 2014. DiRado graduated with a degree in management science and engineering, showcasing her academic prowess alongside her athletic achievements.
The 2016 US Olympic Trials saw DiRado qualify for the 200-meter and 400-meter individual medley events, as well as the 200-meter backstroke. She went on to win four Olympic medals at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, including a gold in the women's 4x200-meter freestyle relay, a silver in the 400-meter individual medley, a bronze in the 200-meter individual medley, and a gold in the 200-meter backstroke.
Fulfilling her childhood dreams, DiRado retired from competitive swimming after the 2016 Olympics, leaving behind a legacy that inspires generations of swimmers.
Maya DiRado's remarkable career serves as a testament to her unwavering dedication, perseverance, and passion for swimming. Her accomplishments have inspired countless young athletes, and her legacy continues to grow, motivating future generations to take the plunge and make a splash in the world of competitive swimming.
29 Years Old
American swimmer who has won numerous Olympic and World Championship gold medals, holding multiple world records in freestyle events. Dominant force in women's swimming for over a decade.
31 Years Old
An American competitive swimmer who specializes in backstroke and freestyle events, winning a total of five Olympic gold medals and holding multiple world records.
38 Years Old
American swimmer and Olympic champion, holding multiple world records and winning numerous gold medals, including a historic 100m butterfly victory at the 2012 London Olympics.
43 Years Old
An American swimmer who won a record 20 World Championship medals and 12 Olympic medals, including three gold medals, and is considered one of the greatest swimmers of all time.
39 Years Old
American swimmer and Olympic medalist, known for her dominance in the breaststroke and butterfly events, setting multiple world records throughout her career.
39 Years Old
An American swimmer who won three Olympic gold medals and set multiple world records in the breaststroke events, dominating the sport in the late 2000s and early 2010s.