Born: 1972 (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
Jill Savery (born May 2, 1972) is an American competitor in synchronized swimming and Olympic champion. She was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and grew up in Concord, California, where she excelled in various sports such as gymnastics, swimming, diving, baseball, and ballet. However, at the age of 10, Savery made the decision to focus her energy on synchronized swimming.
Under the guidance of Hall of Fame Coach Gail Emery, Savery’s talent flourished. By the time she was 16, she had already become the Junior World Team Champion and the American Cup Four – solo, duet, and team champion. As her skills in synchronized swimming became more refined, her successes became increasingly impressive.
Between 1991 and 1995, Savery won gold medals in the team event at every major international competition she participated in. These included the Rome Open, Swiss Open, French Open, Pan Pacific Games, and World Cup Competitions. However, the highlight of Savery’s career came at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, where she made history by winning synchronized swimming’s first-ever gold medal in the team event.
Savery’s ten years on the U.S. National team, many as the Team Captain, played a significant role in elevating the U.S.’s dominance in synchronized swimming during that era. She became a two-time World Championship gold medalist, an eight-time world champion, and the only U.S. swimmer to compete in all international team events.
Beyond her individual prowess, Savery also made contributions off the competition stage. She served on the USOC Athletes Advisory Board and was the athletes’ liaison at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympic Games. This demonstrated her commitment to the betterment of synchronized swimming and the Olympic movement as a whole.
Savery’s impact on the sport extends far beyond her own achievements. Her successes and dedication have helped to inspire future generations of synchronized swimmers and have contributed to the growth and development of the sport worldwide. Through her talent, hard work, and passion, Savery has earned her place in the history of synchronized swimming and continues to be an influential figure in women’s sports.
Awards:
– 1996 Olympic Games: gold (team)
– 1991 World Championship: gold (team)
– 1994 World Championship: gold (team)
– 1991, 1993, 1995 FINA World Cup: gold (team)
– 1991 Rome Open: gold (team)
– 1992, 1993 Swiss Open: gold (team)
– 1995 Pan American Games: gold (team)
– 1994 French Open: gold (team)
– 1993 China Open: silver (solo)
– 1991 Pan Pacific Championships: gold (team)
– U.S. National Championships: gold (team – 1991, 1992), silver (team – 1993, 1994, 1995), bronze (duet – 1991, 1992, 1994, solo – 1993, 1994)
– 1990 American Cup (Jr.): gold (solo)
– 1994 National College Championships: gold (solo, duet, trio)