Born: 1963 (Vilnius, Lithuanian SSR)
Biography:
Lina Kačiušytė, born on January 1, 1963 in Vilnius, Lithuanian SSR, is a renowned Lithuanian swimmer who competed for the Soviet Union. She made a significant impact in the world of swimming, leaving a lasting legacy through her remarkable achievements and contributions to the sport.
Kačiušytė’s journey in swimming began at a young age when she joined the VSS Žalgiris training facility in Vilnius. It was here that her potential as a swimmer was first recognized by her coach, Arvydas Gražiūnas. Under his guidance from 1974 to 1977, Kačiušytė honed her skills and developed the necessary technique and strength to excel in her discipline.
By 1976, Kačiušytė’s talent had garnered attention, leading to an invitation to train with the USSR’s youth swimming team. Within a year, she was promoted to the esteemed USSR National Team, a testament to her dedication and hard work. With her sights set on the ultimate glory, Kačiušytė embarked on a year-long rigorous training regimen, preparing herself for the 1978 World Championships in Berlin.
Kačiušytė’s performance at the 1978 World Championships took the swimming world by storm. In the 200m breaststroke event, she not only clinched the gold medal but also shattered two world records along the way. The first record fell in the preliminaries, where Kačiušytė defeated her teammate and world record holder, Yuliya Bogdanova. The second record was set in the finals, solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with in the breaststroke discipline.
Continuing her meteoric rise in the world of swimming, Kačiušytė cemented her name in history by setting a third world record the following year. At the USSR vs. DDR Dual Meet in Potsdam, she swam the 200m breaststroke in a time of 2:29:54, a record that would stand unbroken from 1979 to 1985 when it was ultimately surpassed by East Germany’s Silke Hörner. Kačiušytė’s achievement marked a significant milestone as she became the first female breaststroke swimmer to go under the 2 minute 30-second barrier in the 200-meter event.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the sport of swimming, Kačiušytė was inducted into the prestigious International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1998. This honor not only celebrated her remarkable athletic achievements but also acknowledged her enduring impact on the swimming community.
Kačiušytė’s legacy extends beyond her record-breaking performances. Her determination, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to excellence have inspired generations of swimmers, both in Lithuania and worldwide. She has played a vital role in shaping and advancing the field of women’s swimming, leaving an indelible mark on women’s sports history.
Awards:
– Olympic Gold Medalist – 200m breaststroke – 1980 Summer Olympics
– Inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame – 1998