Born: 1963 (United States)
Biography:
Candace Candy Costie was born on March 12, 1963, in the United States. She is an American competitor and Olympic champion in synchronized swimming. From a young age, Candy had exhibited an undeniable talent and passion for synchronized swimming. This sport became the perfect outlet for her artistic nature and infectious smile.
Candy’s synchronized swimming career took off when she teamed up with her partner, Tracy Ruiz, at the age of ten. Their artistic movements and captivating performances in the crystal blue water consistently impressed both judges and audiences alike. Throughout their ten-year partnership, Candy and Tracy rarely finished lower than first place in the duet event.
Candy and Tracy’s skill and dedication led them to become one of the most decorated synchronized duets of their time. They achieved numerous accolades, including four US National Championships, one NCAA National Championship, and a gold medal at the 1983 Pan American Games.
The pinnacle of Candy’s career came in the summer of 1984 when the duet event was introduced to the Olympic Games for the first time in history. Candy and Tracy approached the crowd with beauty, spirit, and grace, leaving no doubt about their rightful claim to the first Olympic Games gold medal in synchronized swimming.
After her historic Olympic experience, Candy decided to retire from competitive swimming. However, her legacy lives on through her endorsement of various products, appearances as a sports commentator, and her instructional video, The Water Workout.
Candy’s contribution to synchronized swimming goes beyond her achievements in the pool. She played a significant role in raising the popularity of the sport and showcasing its unique blend of strength, coordination, and artistic composition. Her impact on synchronized swimming has left a lasting impression and has inspired countless athletes to pursue this captivating discipline.
Today, Candy Costie continues to set new personal goals and find fulfillment in various endeavors. Her determination and passion continue to shine through, making her an inspiration to athletes and individuals alike.
Awards:
– 1984 Olympic Games: gold medal (duet)
– 1982 World Championships: silver medal (duet)
– 1983 Pan American Games: gold medal (duet), silver medal (team)
– 4 US National Championships (duet)
– 1 NCAA National Championship (duet)