Born: July 26, 1944 (Pontiac, Michigan)
Biography:
Maxine Joyce Micki King, born on July 26, 1944, in Pontiac, Michigan, is an American former competitive diver and diving coach who had a remarkable career in the world of diving and made significant contributions to women’s athletics. King’s journey to becoming a dominant figure in women’s diving in the United States was marked by triumphs, setbacks, and a unwavering dedication to her sport.
King’s love for water sports developed at an early age, as she spent her summers at her family’s cottage in Waterford, Michigan. At just ten years old, she began learning to dive through lessons at the YMCA in downtown Pontiac. King’s natural talent and determination quickly became evident as she entered and regularly won Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) meets throughout her high school years at Pontiac Central High School.
In 1961, King enrolled at the University of Michigan. At the time, the university did not have a women’s diving program. However, when men’s diving coach, Dick Kimball, spotted King’s potential, he decided to train her alongside the men’s team. Under Kimball’s guidance, King became the first woman to master various dives, including a 1-1/2 somersault dive with a 2-1/2 twist on a ten-meter tower. Despite not being allowed to officially compete in Michigan athletics before the implementation of Title IX, King and Kimball found ways to work around the system, with Kimball emphasizing that he coached people, rather than specific genders.
Despite facing challenges and limited opportunities, King’s talent and determination propelled her to great success. From 1965 to 1972, she dominated women’s diving in the United States, winning an impressive ten national championships in both the springboard and platform events. Her achievements were recognized on the international stage when she represented the United States at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.
The 1968 Olympics proved to be a bittersweet chapter in King’s career. She had a strong lead in the three-meter springboard event when disaster struck on her ninth dive—she broke her left arm. Remaining resilient, King continued and completed her tenth dive, but finished in fourth place. Although she narrowly missed a medal, her courage and determination in the face of adversity inspired many and cemented her status as a tenacious athlete.
Undeterred by her previous setback, King made an incredible comeback at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. Demonstrating her unwavering commitment and sheer skill, she clinched the gold medal in the three-meter springboard event. King’s triumphant victory not only solidified her legacy as a remarkable diver but also inspired countless young women around the world to pursue their dreams and excel in sports.
In addition to her achievements as an athlete, King served as a career officer in the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1992, retiring with the rank of colonel. Her dedication to physical education and coaching extended beyond her military career. King became the first woman to serve on the faculty of a U.S military academy when she taught physical education and coached diving at the United States Air Force Academy. Notably, she was also the first woman to coach a male athlete to an NCAA championship, earning her the title of NCAA Division II Coach of the Year three times.
Following her retirement from the Air Force, King held the position of assistant athletic director at the University of Kentucky from 1992 to 2006. During this time, she continued to make contributions to the development of young athletes and served as the president of US Diving from 1990 to 1994. Her tireless dedication and leadership in the sport led to her induction into prestigious halls of fame, including the United States Olympic Hall of Fame, the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame, the International Swimming Hall of Fame, and the University of Michigan Athletic Hall of Honor.
Micki King’s impact on women’s sports, both as an athlete and a coach, cannot be overstated. Her unwavering resilience, trailblazing spirit, and groundbreaking achievements have inspired generations of female athletes to defy societal limitations and pursue excellence. Micki King’s legacy embodies the incredible power of determination, skill, and the indomitable spirit of women in sports.
Awards:
– Gold Medal, 1972 Summer Olympics (Three Meter Springboard)
– Inducted into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame
– Inducted into the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame
– Inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame
– Inducted into the University of Michigan Athletic Hall of Honor
– NCAA Division II Coach of the Year (three times)