Born: 1951 (Jacksonville, Florida)
Biography:
Catharine Ball Condon, known as Catie Ball, was born on September 30, 1951, in Jacksonville, Florida. She emerged as a prominent figure in swimming during her teenage years, achieving remarkable success and leaving a lasting impact on the sport. Ball’s exceptional talent and determination paved the way for a successful career as a competition swimmer, Olympic champion, and former world record-holder.
As a member of the J.E.T.S. swim team in Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) competition and the Florida Yacht Club, Ball quickly became known for her exceptional breaststroke swimming ability. She attended Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville, where her talents continued to shine. In 1967, she won the Florida 2A state high school championships in the 200-yard individual medley and the 100-yard breaststroke events, setting new state records in both disciplines. Remarkably, her record in the 100-yard breaststroke remained untouched for eleven years.
Ball’s success extended beyond the high school level. At the age of 15, she set a new world record in the 200-meter breaststroke at the Santa Clara invitational swim meet in July 1967. Her remarkable performance at the 1967 Pan American Games further solidified her reputation as an exceptional swimmer. She earned two individual gold medals in the women’s 100-meter and 200-meter breaststroke events, alongside another gold in the women’s 4×100-meter medley relay, where she swam the breaststroke leg for the winning U.S. team. Importantly, Ball set new world records in all three events, showcasing her dominance in breaststroke swimming.
Despite facing challenges such as a battle with mononucleosis and missing several scheduled meets in early 1968, Ball was regarded as the favorite to win three gold medals at the 1968 Olympics. As the reigning world record holder in all four breaststroke distances, she only reinforced her position by surpassing her own world records in the 100-meter and 200-meter breaststroke at the U.S. Olympic Trials in August 1968. However, her path to Olympic glory was not without obstacles. Upon arriving at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, Ball was unfortunately battling the flu.
Nevertheless, Ball showcased her tenacity and resilience, contributing to the success of the U.S. 4×100-meter medley relay team. Swimming the breaststroke leg, she helped secure a gold medal for her nation. Alongside her teammates Kaye Hall, Ellie Daniel, and Wendy Fordyce, she gained well-deserved recognition for her significant role in the team’s triumph.
Throughout her swimming career, Catie Ball’s accomplishments and influence resonated far beyond the pool. As a teenage star, she played a pivotal role in shaping the sport of swimming and inspiring future generations of female swimmers. Her dominance in breaststroke during her generation solidified her place in history as one of the sport’s greats. Her journey, marked by achievements and challenges, remains a testament to the power of dedication and determination.
Awards:
– Olympic Gold Medalist (1968, 4×100-meter medley relay)