Born: 1958 (Washington D.C.)
Biography:
Sandra Bucha, an American swimmer and social justice advocate, is best known for her remarkable achievements in marathon swimming and her significant contributions to women’s sports. Born on June 14, 1958, in Washington D.C., Bucha displayed a fierce determination and passion for swimming from a young age.
Before her family relocated to Illinois, Bucha established herself as a top age grouper in the swimming community. Under the guidance of coach Don Watson in Hinsdale, she not only became an American record holder but also a national champion. However, the lack of high school swim teams for girls in Illinois during the 1960s presented an obstacle for Bucha.
Undeterred by the restrictions, Bucha trained with the boys’ high school team, showcasing her talent and resilience. Prior to her senior year, supported by her coach and parents, she filed a lawsuit against the Illinois High School Association, seeking the right to compete as a member of the boys’ team. Although she did not succeed in the lawsuit, her courageous battle predates the famous battle of the sexes and foreshadows the transformative impact of the Title IX Amendments to the Civil Rights Act.
Close to making the 1972 Olympic team, Bucha opted to retire from swimming at the age of 18 and channel her focus towards academics at Stanford University. However, she soon stumbled upon an opportunity that would reignite her passion for the water. In the summer of 1973, Bucha came across an advertisement for a grueling 10-mile lake swim in Lake Michigan, boasting a substantial prize purse. Despite never having swum such a distance before, she decided to give it a try, training for just a few weeks.
To her own surprise, Bucha shattered the race record, realizing unparalleled success as she emerged as the victor. This event proved pivotal in her career, as she discovered the existence of a professional circuit in Canada for open water swims. From 1973 to 1975, Bucha participated in nine marathon swims, dominating the female events and remaining undefeated in every race.
Although she occasionally finished third overall to male competitors, Bucha consistently secured second place behind the first male swimmer. Notable victories include two La Toque 24-hour swims, where she partnered with her high school teammate and Hall of Fame Swimmer, John Kinsella, to set a record of 190 laps around the lake and claim the victory for two consecutive years. She also triumphed in two Lac St. Jean Races spanning 26 miles, two Laval Canada Swims totaling 10 miles, and three further Lake Michigan Swims covering 10 miles each. Most of these swims resulted in race records, with only three male swimmers ever surpassing her accomplishments.
In 1975, Bucha bid farewell to professional swimming to pursue a career in law. Her extraordinary accomplishments in the water, alongside her unwavering dedication to social justice advocacy, left an indelible mark on the field of women’s sports. Bucha’s trailblazing efforts paved the way for thousands of girls and women to participate in sports. Furthermore, her determination shattered barriers for women in the predominantly male-dominated realm of marathon swimming, subsequently helping establish it as an Olympic sport.