Debbie Meyer

Debbie Meyer became the first female swimmer to earn three individual gold medals at the same Olympic Games. Born in Annapolis, Maryland, at the U.S. Naval Academy, the swimmer trained under U.S. Olympic coach Sherman Chavoor. Meyer set world records at the 1967 Pan American Games in the 400-meter and 800 freestyle events and was the first woman to swim 1,500 in under 18 minutes. At only 16 years old, she won the 200, 400 and 800 freestyle events at the Olympic Games Mexico City 1968, despite suffering from a severe stomach infection. Along with her Olympic achievements, Meyer broke 15 individual world records, 24 American records and won 19 national championships. She was also a member of five world record-setting relay teams. Meyer was named the James E. Sullivan Award winner in 1968, given to the nation's most outstanding athlete. She was also named Associated Press’ Female Athlete of the Year in 1969 and was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame and the International Women's Sports Hall of Fame.