Born: 1940
Biography:
Carin Alice Cone, born on April 18, 1940, is an American former competition swimmer, Olympic medalist, and former world record-holder. She made a significant impact in the world of swimming throughout her career, setting multiple world records and winning numerous national and international titles.
Cone’s journey in swimming began at a young age, and she quickly revealed her immense talent and natural ability in the sport. At just 15 years old, she competed in the 1956 Summer Olympics held in Melbourne, Australia. In a memorable race, Cone won a silver medal in the 100-meter backstroke, with a remarkably fast time of 1:12.9. What made her achievement even more remarkable was that she had the exact same time as Judy Grinham from Great Britain, who was ultimately awarded the gold medal. This close call with victory served as a motivator for Cone, fueling her determination to push further and achieve even greater success.
Over the course of her career, Cone set an impressive total of seven world records in the backstroke discipline. Her dominance in the backstroke events earned her the nickname queen of backstrokers. Cone’s exceptional skill and technique in this stroke allowed her to outshine her competitors and establish herself as one of the best in the world.
In addition to her Olympic success, Cone also had a strong showing at the 1959 Pan American Games held in Chicago. She emerged victorious in both the 100-meter backstroke and the medley relay, claiming two gold medals. Furthermore, Cone displayed her immense talent and determination by setting a world record of 1:11.4 on the lead-off backstroke leg in the relay. Her achievements at the Pan American Games solidified her status as an international swimming sensation.
Throughout her career, Cone also excelled at the national level. She won an impressive total of 16 national titles at the AAU Nationals, consistently dominating the backstroke events. Cone’s success was not limited to short-course swimming; she also set multiple American records in the long course format.
Beyond her swimming accolades, Cone’s impact extended beyond the pool. She captivated the public’s attention with her beauty and grace, becoming a cover girl on numerous magazines. Alongside other notable female swimmers of the time, Cone became a symbol of female empowerment and athleticism.
In 1984, Cone’s contributions to the world of swimming were duly recognized when she was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame. This honor solidified her place in swimming history as one of the greatest backstrokers of her time.
Cone’s love for swimming led her to her two coaches, Marie Giardine at the Women’s Swimming Association in New York and Phill Hansel at the University of Houston. They played a crucial role in harnessing Cone’s talent and pushing her to achieve greatness in the sport.
Carin Cone retired from competitive swimming in 1960, but her impact on the sport continues to inspire generations of swimmers. Her remarkable achievements in the pool, her unwavering determination, and her influence on women’s sports have cemented her place in history as a true trailblazer.
Awards:
– 1956 Summer Olympics: Silver medal in the 100-meter backstroke
– 1959 Pan American Games: Gold medal in the 100-meter backstroke and medley relay