An American swimmer who won eight Olympic medals, including two golds, and held multiple world records in the 1970s. Known for her dominance in the pool and her iconic mustache.
Shirley Babashoff is an American former competition swimmer, Olympic champion, and former world record holder in multiple events. With an impressive career that spanned over a decade, she earned a total of nine Olympic medals, setting six world records along the way.
Born on January 31, 1957, in California, Shirley began taking swimming lessons at the age of eight at Cerritos College pool in Norwalk, California. She began swimming competitively at the age of nine with the Buena Park Splashers alongside her brother Jack, who would also become an Olympic swimmer.
Under the guidance of coach Don La Mont, Shirley continued to hone her skills, eventually joining the Phillips 66 team at Golden West College in Huntington Beach, where she began to set age group records.
When coach Flip Darr resigned, Shirley joined the Mission Viejo Nadadores, one of America's top swimming programs, under the guidance of Hall of Fame Coach Mark Schubert. This marked a turning point in her career, as she excelled under Schubert's rigorous training regime, which included a focus on improving her fly, back, and breaststroke skills, as well as weight training.
By the 1972 Olympics, Shirley was one of the top women freestylers in the country, earning her first gold medal in the 400-meter freestyle relay.
Shirley's Olympic career spanned two Olympiads, with her winning a total of nine Olympic medals, including two gold medals in the 400-meter freestyle relay in both the 1972 and 1976 Olympics.
She also set six world records, including the 200-meter and 400-meter freestyle events at the 1975 World Championships. At her peak, Shirley held all national freestyle records from the 100-meter to 800-meter events.
Shirley's impressive career earned her numerous awards and accolades, including induction into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1984 and the United States Olympic Hall of Fame in 1987.
She was also named the American Swimmer of the Year in 1974 and 1975, solidifying her position as one of the greatest swimmers of her time.
Shirley's achievements paved the way for future generations of swimmers, inspiring countless young athletes to take to the water. Her dedication, perseverance, and passion for the sport continue to inspire and motivate swimmers around the world.
Shirley Babashoff's remarkable career serves as a testament to her unwavering dedication, hard work, and passion for the sport. As one of the greatest swimmers of her time, her legacy continues to inspire and motivate swimmers around the world, cementing her place in the annals of swimming history.
76 Years Old
Won seven gold medals in the 1972 Munich Olympics, setting world records in all seven events, cementing his status as one of the greatest swimmers of all time.
73 Years Old
An American competitive swimmer who won three gold medals and one silver medal at the 1968 Summer Olympics, setting multiple world records in the process.
80 Years Old
An American swimming legend who won a record five Olympic gold medals and set multiple world records in the 1960s, dominating the sport with his incredible speed and endurance.
51 Years Old
An American swimmer who won 10 Olympic medals, including 5 golds, and held multiple world records in the 50m and 100m freestyle events. He's also a strong advocate for diabetes awareness, having competed at the highest level with the condition.
86 Years Old
A pioneering female golfer who won 88 LPGA tournaments, a record for both men and women, and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
59 Years Old
An American swimming legend and Olympic medalist, known for her record-breaking performances and inspiring comeback at age 41, also a TV commentator and author.
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.
41 Years Old
The most decorated Olympian of all time, holding a record 28 medals, including 23 gold medals, dominating the sport of swimming with unparalleled speed and endurance.
