Born: 1964 (Louisville, Kentucky)
Biography:
Mary Terstegge Meagher Plant (born October 27, 1964) is an American former competition swimmer, Olympic champion, and world record-holder. She is considered one of the greatest female swimmers in history, known particularly for her dominance in the butterfly stroke.
Meagher was born in Louisville, Kentucky to James L. Meagher, a two-time basketball letterman for Notre Dame. Even from a young age, Mary showed exceptional talent and determination in her athletic pursuits. At the age of 14, she made her mark on the international swimming scene, setting her first world record in the 200-meter butterfly at the 1979 Pan American Games in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Meagher’s breakthrough came in 1981 when she gave one of the most memorable performances in competitive swimming at the U.S. Swimming National Championships held in Brown Deer, Wisconsin. At the meet, she not only set world records in both the 200-meter and 100-meter butterfly but also delivered exceptional times that would stand as the respective world records for 18 and 19 years. Her record of 57.93 seconds in the 100-meter butterfly, in particular, was considered astonishing, as she dropped over a second from the previous record.
These performances cemented Meagher’s status as a swimming legend. Many swimming experts and enthusiasts consider her butterfly records to be among the greatest sports performances of all time. They are frequently compared to other historic records like Bob Beamon’s long jump world record in 1968.
Unfortunately, Meagher’s chance to compete for Olympic medals was cut short by the American-led boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, Russia. She never got the opportunity to showcase her skills on the ultimate stage. However, her achievements and dominance in the sport were recognized by her peers and swimming authorities. She was named Female World Swimmer of the Year by Swimming World Magazine in both 1981 and 1985.
Meagher’s swimming career continued at the University of California, Berkeley, where she swam for the California Golden Bears swimming and diving team in NCAA and Pacific-10 Conference competitions. She excelled at the collegiate level, showcasing the same determination and skill that defined her earlier career. Meagher was twice awarded the Honda Sports Award for Swimming and Diving, recognizing her as the outstanding college female swimmer of the year in 1984–85 and again in 1986–87.
Beyond her individual accomplishments, Meagher’s impact on women’s swimming cannot be overstated. She was a trailblazer for future generations of female swimmers, inspiring them to dream big and push the boundaries of what was thought possible. Her records stood for almost two decades before being surpassed, a testament to her extraordinary talent and dedication.
Today, Mary Meagher is remembered as not only a swimming icon but also as a symbol of perseverance and excellence in women’s sports. Her contributions to the sport and her legacy as one of the greatest butterfly swimmers of all time will forever be celebrated.
Awards:
– Female World Swimmer of the Year (1981, 1985)
– Honda Sports Award for Swimming and Diving (1984–85, 1986–87)