Born: 1987 (Freehold, New Jersey)
Biography:
Rebecca Soni, born on March 18, 1987, is an American former competition swimmer and breaststroke specialist. She is widely recognized as a six-time Olympic medalist and a former world record-holder in the 100-meter and 200-meter breaststroke events. Soni’s remarkable achievements and impact on women’s swimming have left a lasting legacy.
Soni’s journey to success began in Freehold, New Jersey. She was born to her father, Peter, who has Hungarian-Jewish heritage. Peter’s family had endured the hardships of World War II, as they were deported from their hometown of Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania, which is now in Romania. Soni’s Jewish paternal grandfather, Poli Schoenberg, miraculously survived the Auschwitz concentration camp, although his parents tragically perished in the Holocaust.
Soni’s father had a previous marriage in the United States, but eventually divorced. He then married Soni’s mother, Kinga, and together they raised Rebecca. Soni also has distant relatives residing in Israel. She completed her high school education at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North in Plainsboro Township, New Jersey, graduating in 2005. During her time in high school, Soni established numerous swimming records and held a prominent position in the state and school swim teams.
In 2006, Soni experienced a significant setback when she underwent a cardiac ablation. However, this did not discourage her from pursuing her dreams. Soni’s determination and resilience earned her a spot on the U.S. national team, propelling her onto the international swimming scene.
At the 2008 Summer Olympics, held in Beijing, Soni displayed her remarkable talent by winning two silver medals and one gold. Her triumph came in the 200-meter breaststroke, where she not only secured the gold but also set a world record that shocked Australian favorite Leisel Jones. This victory marked Soni as a force to be reckoned with in the breaststroke discipline.
Building on her success, Soni continued to dominate the swimming world in the following years. At the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, she successfully defended her Olympic title in the 200-meter breaststroke while also setting a world record. Soni became the first woman ever to accomplish this feat in the event, solidifying her status as a true pioneer in women’s swimming.
Throughout her career, Soni amassed a remarkable twenty-two medals in major international competitions. Among these are fourteen gold medals, seven silver medals, and one bronze medal earned across various events, including the Olympics, the World Championships, the Universiade, and the Pan Pacific Championships. Her outstanding performances have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Soni’s achievements were not limited to the pool alone. She was recognized as Swimming World’s World Swimmer of the Year in both 2010 and 2011, and also received the American Swimmer of the Year award in 2009, 2010, and 2011. These honors reflect the respect and admiration her peers held for her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.
Beyond her swimming career, Soni has also made a significant impact through her advocacy work. In August 2010, she became a spokesperson for the United Nations Foundation’s Girl Up campaign, focusing on improving the lives of adolescent girls worldwide. Soni’s commitment to using her platform for positive change exemplifies her character and desire to make a difference.
Rebecca Soni’s extraordinary accomplishments in the world of swimming, coupled with her resilience and activism, have solidified her place in women’s history. Her groundbreaking achievements and unwavering determination continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations of female athletes.
Awards:
– Six-time Olympic medalist
– Former world record-holder in the 100-meter and 200-meter breaststroke
– First woman to swim the 200-meter breaststroke in under 2 minutes 20 seconds
– Swimming World’s World Swimmer of the Year (2010, 2011)
– American Swimmer of the Year (2009, 2010, 2011)