Born: 1962 (New York, United States)
Kimberly Ann Linehan (born December 11, 1962) is an American former competition swimmer, world champion, and former world record-holder. She made a significant impact in the swimming world during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Linehan’s dedication, talent, and perseverance earned her numerous titles, world records, and a well-deserved place in women’s sports history.
Kim Linehan’s passion for swimming began at a young age. At the age of seven, her family moved from New York to Florida, where the warm weather and abundance of water inspired her to take up swimming. She quickly fell in love with the sport and spent the next 14 years honing her skills in the age group and YMCA swimming programs of Sarasota.
Standing at just 5 feet 4 inches tall and 118 pounds, Linehan defied expectations and became one of the world’s best female swimmers. Her specialty was distance freestyle, and her determination and competitive spirit propelled her to greatness. Under the guidance of coach Tim Blood, Linehan began training seriously and quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the swimming world.
Linehan’s breakthrough came in 1978 at the U.S. World Championship Trials in Texas. At the age of 15, she had moved to Austin to train with coach Paul Bergen of the Texas Longhorn Aquatic Club. Their partnership proved to be instrumental in Linehan’s success, as it provided her with the necessary confidence, technique, and support to reach her full potential.
In the same year, Linehan made her mark on the international stage at the 1978 World Aquatics Championships in Berlin, Germany. She won bronze medals in the 400-meter and 800-meter freestyle events, showcasing her talent and earning recognition as one of the world’s top swimmers.
Linehan’s success continued to flourish in the following years. She set the 400-meter freestyle world record in 1978, and her dominance extended to the 1,500-meter freestyle, where she held the world record from 1979 to 1987. Linehan’s versatility and skill were undeniable, and she consistently proved herself as a fierce competitor in both long course and short course events.
Her achievements culminated in 1982 when she won a gold medal in the 800-meter freestyle at the World Aquatics Championships in Guayaquil, Ecuador. This victory solidified Linehan’s status as a world champion and exemplified her unwavering commitment to excellence.
In 1984, Linehan set her sights on the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Despite facing fierce competition, she finished fourth in the women’s 400-meter freestyle, narrowly missing out on an Olympic medal. While her Olympic journey didn’t end with a podium finish, Linehan’s dedication to her sport and her impressive performances throughout her career solidified her legacy as one of the greatest swimmers of her time.
Linehan’s contributions to swimming have not gone unnoticed. In 1997, she was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame as an Honor Swimmer, a well-deserved recognition of her remarkable achievements. Additionally, in 2008, she was honored by the University of Texas Women’s Athletics Hall of Honor for her outstanding contribution to the world of swimming.
Kim Linehan’s impact extended beyond the pool. Her determination and accomplishments inspired countless young swimmers, women in particular, to pursue their dreams and push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of sports. Her legacy serves as a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and unwavering ambition.
Awards:
– Inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame as an Honor Swimmer in 1997
– Honored by the University of Texas Women’s Athletics Hall of Honor in 2008