Born: 1962 (Phoenix, Arizona)
Biography:
Michele Anne Mitchell (born January 10, 1962, in Phoenix, Arizona) is a former diver from the United States. She is a two-time Olympic medalist on the 10-meter platform, winning silver in 1984 and 1988. Mitchell’s dedication and talent in the sport of diving have made her a legendary figure in American diving history.
Born in Scottsdale, Arizona, Michele Mitchell discovered the sport of diving purely by accident. As a gymnast, she often went to the pool after practices to cool off. It was during these post-practice sessions that former diver Charles Sparky Goodrich discovered her twisting and flipping abilities. Intrigued by her natural talent, Goodrich invited her to try diving.
After a few sessions of diving, Mitchell was hooked on the sport. It quickly became clear that she had a natural inclination for diving, and her skills progressed rapidly. Despite starting late in the sport, Mitchell’s determination and work ethic allowed her to rise through the ranks.
It wasn’t until some seven years after taking her first dive that Mitchell burst onto the US diving scene. In a testament to her abilities, she placed second, just behind the reigning champion Wendy Wyland, at her first platform national finals. This remarkable achievement was a sign of things to come for Mitchell.
One year after her graduation from the University of Arizona and entrance onto the national scene, Mitchell surprised her competition once again by winning the Olympic Trials and setting herself up for a shot at the Olympic dream. At the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, she captured the silver medal on the 10-meter platform, solidifying her status as one of the world’s best divers.
Mitchell continued to dominate the diving world, winning numerous championships and accolades throughout her career. In the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea, she once again secured the silver medal, further cementing her place in diving history. Her powerful dives and unwavering focus made her a force to be reckoned with.
In addition to her Olympic success, Mitchell’s accomplishments include being a nine-time U.S. national champion, the 1985 World FINA Cup champion, and the 1987 Pan American Games champion. She was also a four-time U.S. Olympic Committee Athlete of the Year honoree and held the American record for platform diving with a score of 479.40 points for an eight-dive list.
Beyond her achievements in the pool, Mitchell has made significant contributions to the sport of diving as a coach and administrator. Formerly the longtime diving coach at the University of Arizona, she is currently serving as the director of operations for the swimming and diving teams. Mitchell holds notable roles in the collegiate and world diving communities, including the chair of the NCAA Swimming and Diving Rules Committee and the chair of the USA Diving Committee for Competitive Excellence. Her dedication to the sport and her leadership in these positions have had a lasting impact on the diving community.
Mitchell’s influence on women’s history extends beyond her achievements in diving. As a two-time Olympic medalist, she has inspired generations of young female athletes to pursue their athletic dreams. Her success in a traditionally male-dominated sport has shattered barriers and paved the way for future generations of women divers.
Awards:
– 1988: Inducted into the University of Arizona Athletic Hall of Fame
– 1995: Inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame
– 1986: Sullivan Award nominee
– 1989: Lawrence J. Johnson Award
– 2009: Phil Boggs Award