Born: 1960 (Anaheim, California)
Biography:
Kelly Anne McCormick was born on February 13, 1960, in Anaheim, California. She hails from a family entrenched in the world of diving, as her parents are the renowned diving champion Pat McCormick and diving coach Glenn McCormick. Growing up in Rossmoor, California, during the 1960s and 1970s, Kelly’s initial passion was gymnastics. By the age of 13, she had become an elite gymnast and was on the same team with fellow Olympian Cathy Rigby.
Kelly attended Los Alamitos High School, where she first dabbled in diving. Her interest in the sport quickly flourished, leading her to enroll at the Ohio State University to be coached by the esteemed Vince Panzanno. By 1981, Kelly had secured a spot on the national team, propelling her into the international spotlight over the next decade. In 1982, she clinched her first of nine National Championships, including six 3m springboard titles and three 10m platform titles. Additionally, she attained an Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) 3m springboard championship.
In 1983, Kelly secured the Pan American Games gold medal, solidifying her reputation as a top-tier diver. However, tragedy struck the following year when she battled a severe back injury that ultimately hospitalized her for six weeks before the Olympic trials. Despite the immense challenges she faced, Kelly persevered and triumphed at the trials, earning herself a spot on the U.S. Olympic team. At the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, she showcased her resilience by winning the silver medal in the Women’s 3m Springboard event, finishing behind Canada’s Sylvie Bernier, who would later become a Hall of Famer.
Undeterred by her Olympic success, Kelly continued to dominate the diving scene. At the 1987 Pan American Games in Indianapolis, she became the first woman to win two consecutive Pan Am springboard gold medals, further solidifying her position as a diving sensation. However, her journey was not without obstacles. In 1988, Kelly faced the Olympic trials with a torn calf muscle, yet she persevered and emerged victorious, securing a spot on the U.S. Olympic team for the second time. At the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, she added another medal to her collection, earning the bronze in the Women’s 3m Springboard event, with China’s Gao Min capturing the gold.
Kelly’s success in the world of diving extended beyond her own performances. Following her retirement, she found fulfillment by coaching aspiring divers at the same facility where she had her final meet – the King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way, Washington. Through her coaching, Kelly has been able to pass on her wealth of knowledge and contribute to the growth of future diving stars.
Beyond her remarkable athletic accomplishments, Kelly McCormick’s personal life also deserves recognition. She is married to Matt Robertson and currently resides in Seattle, Washington. Her triumphs in the diving arena are a testament to her determination, talent, and the indelible genes she inherited from her parents, both Hall of Famers in their own right. Kelly’s mother, Pat McCormick, holds the distinction of being the first female to win back-to-back diving double Olympic gold medals in the 3m springboard and 10m platform events in 1952 and 1956.
Kelly McCormick’s remarkable career and contributions to the world of diving have solidified her status as one of the greatest divers of her time. Her achievements and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring future generations of divers to push their limits and strive for excellence.
Awards:
– 1984 Olympic Games: Silver in Women’s 3m Springboard
– 1988 Olympic Games: Bronze in Women’s 3m Springboard
– 1983 Pan American Games: Gold in Women’s 3m Springboard
– 1987 Pan American Games: Gold in Women’s 3m Springboard
– 9 U.S. National Championships: 6 in 3m Springboard, 3 in 10m Platform
– 1981 AIAW Champion: Women’s 3m Springboard