Born: 1952 (Anoka, Minnesota)
Deborah Elizabeth Meyer (born August 14, 1952), also known by her married name Deborah Weber, is an American former competition swimmer and a three-time Olympic champion. She was also a former world record-holder in four events. Meyer made history when she won the 200-, 400-, and 800-meter freestyle swimming races in the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. At just 16 years old, she became the first swimmer to win three individual gold medals in one Olympics, a feat that was only matched by Katie Ledecky in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.
Born in Anoka, Minnesota, Meyer grew up in Sacramento, California, where she attended Rio Americano High School. She showed great promise as a young swimmer and quickly rose to prominence in the world of competitive swimming. Despite facing challenges with her asthma, Meyer’s determination and talent propelled her to great success in the sport.
Meyer’s breakthrough came in the 1968 Summer Olympics, where she dominated the freestyle events. She set world records in the 200-meter, 400-meter, and 800-meter freestyle events at the U.S. Olympic trials. At the Olympics, Meyer’s winning times for the 200-meter, 400-meter, and 800-meter distances were 2:10.5, 4:31.8, and 9:24.0, respectively. All of these times were new or first-time Olympic records. It was a significant year for women’s swimming as the 200-meter and 800-meter freestyle races were added to the Summer Olympics for the first time, expanding the opportunities for female swimmers.
Throughout her career, Meyer broke an impressive total of 15 world records in swimming. She also broke 24 American records and won 19 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) national championships. In recognition of her exceptional achievements, Meyer received numerous accolades and honors. In 1968, she received the prestigious James E. Sullivan Award, which is presented to the top amateur athlete in the United States. The following year, she was named Associated Press Athlete of the Year. Swimming World recognized her achievements by naming her World Swimmer of the Year in 1967, 1968, and 1969.
In 1972, Meyer retired from competitive swimming, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in the sport. Her contributions to swimming were duly recognized when she was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1977 and the United States Olympic Hall of Fame in 1986. Meyer’s impact on the sport extends beyond her athletic accomplishments. As a trailblazer in women’s swimming, she inspired generations of female swimmers and helped pave the way for their success.
Meyer’s passion for swimming and her desire to share her expertise led her to establish the Debbie Meyer Swim School in Carmichael, California. Since the 1970s, she has been teaching swimming in the Sacramento area. In 1993, she opened her own school, where she continues to teach both children and adults to be safe in the water. Additionally, Meyer has taken on coaching roles, including coaching the Truckee Tahoe Swim Team in Truckee, California.
Debbie Meyer’s achievements in swimming and her dedication to the sport have solidified her place in swimming history. Her groundbreaking performances, overcoming personal challenges, and ongoing contributions as a teacher and coach make her a true inspiration to aspiring swimmers and an important figure in women’s sports history.
Awards:
– 1968 James E. Sullivan Award
– 1969 Associated Press Athlete of the Year
– Swimming World World Swimmer of the Year: 1967, 1968, 1969
– Inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame: 1977
– Inducted into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame: 1986
– Inducted into the American National High School Hall of Fame: 2004