Born: May 12, 1930 (Seal Beach, California)
Died: March 7, 2023
Biography:
Patricia Joan Keller McCormick (May 12, 1930 – March 7, 2023) was an American competitive diver who made a significant impact on the sport through her exceptional talent, perseverance, and groundbreaking achievements. Born in the small town of Seal Bach, California, Pat developed a passion for diving at a young age, honing her skills and eventually becoming one of the most accomplished divers in history. She left an indelible mark on women’s history, not only through her numerous accolades but also through her unrelenting pursuit of excellence.
As a child in the 1930s and 1940s, Pat quickly gained attention for her daring dives, some of which were not allowed in competition for female divers at the time. Her fearless execution of dives reputed to scare most men set her apart from her peers, showcasing her audacity and determination. She often practiced off the Los Alamitos Bridge in Long Beach, California Harbor, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her craft.
Pat attended Woodrow Wilson Classical High School in Long Beach, where she continued to hone her diving skills. Later, she pursued higher education at Long Beach City College and California State University, Long Beach, combining her passion for diving with academic pursuits. It was during this time that her talents caught the attention of the diving community, setting her on the path to greatness.
McCormick’s career reached its pinnacle at the Olympics, where she secured her place in history. She won both diving events at two consecutive Summer Olympics, first in 1952 and then in 1956. Her accomplishments were nothing short of extraordinary, marking her as one of the greatest divers of her time. Pat’s gold medal victories in the springboard and platform events highlighted her exceptional skill, precision, and unmatched athleticism.
Her remarkable achievements paved the way for future generations of female divers, as she broke barriers and shattered expectations. In 1956, Pat became the second woman ever to win the prestigious James E. Sullivan Award for the best amateur athlete in the United States, following in the footsteps of fellow swimmer Ann Curtis. This incredible recognition further solidified her status as a trailblazer and an inspiration to aspiring women athletes across the nation.
Beyond her competitive career, McCormick continued to make significant contributions to the world of diving. She embarked on diving tours after the Olympics, captivating audiences around the globe with her breathtaking performances. Additionally, she became a sought-after model, representing Catalina swimwear and showcasing her elegance and grace both in and out of the water.
McCormick’s impact extended far beyond the realm of diving. She served on the organizing committee for the Los Angeles 1984 Summer Olympics, contributing her expertise and passion to the success of the games. She was also instrumental in starting Pat’s Champs, a foundation aimed at motivating and empowering children to dream big and achieve their goals.
Pat’s personal life was also marked by significant relationships and family ties. Her husband, Glenn McCormick, served as her diving coach, assisting her in reaching new heights in her career. He also coached other Olympic diving medalists, solidifying their partnership as a force to be reckoned with. Although they divorced after 24 years of marriage, their mutual dedication to the sport remained unwavering. Pat and Glenn were blessed with two children, Tim and Kelly, both of whom followed in their parents’ footsteps and achieved success in diving, earning medals at the Olympic Games.
Throughout her life, Pat McCormick demonstrated the power of resilience, determination, and perseverance. Her unwavering commitment to excellence, both in and out of the water, left an enduring impact on the world of diving and women’s history as a whole. Her invaluable contribution to the sport and her trailblazing spirit continue to inspire generations of athletes, ensuring that her legacy will live on.
Awards:
– Olympic Games: 1952 gold (springboard, platform); 1956 gold (springboard, platform)
– Pan American Games: 1955 gold (springboard, platform)
– U.S. Nationals: 77 (springboard, platform)
– Babe Zaharias’s Woman Athlete of the Year
– Helms Hall North American Athlete of the Year
– Associated Press Woman Athlete of the Year
– AAU’s Sullivan Award