Born: 1952 (Detroit, Michigan)
Biography:
Sharon Lynn Wichman (born May 13, 1952), also known by her married name Sharon Jones, is an American former competition swimmer and Olympic champion. She represented the United States at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, where she made history with her outstanding performance in the pool.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, Wichman began her swimming career at an early age. By the time she was eleven, she had already joined Club Olympia in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she would develop into a promising breaststroke specialist. Despite the challenges of being far away from her coach, the renowned breaststroke specialist and Hall of Famer Stefan Hunyadfi, Wichman’s talent flourished. Her dedication and passion for the sport quickly became evident.
In 1966, Wichman’s father was transferred to Mexico City, giving her the opportunity to train at high altitude. Although this was an advantage for many athletes, Wichman’s training was limited during her time in Mexico. Sensing the need for expert coaching, she returned to Fort Wayne one month early to train intensively with Hunyadfi in preparation for the U.S. Summer National Championship in 1967.
The following year, Wichman, at the age of 16, was selected to represent the United States at the 1968 Summer Olympics. However, the Olympic stage proved to be a daunting experience for the young swimmer. Overwhelmed and homesick, Wichman found solace and motivation in Olympic Coach Frank Elm’s encouraging words during the training camp in Colorado Springs. Elm’s guidance played a crucial role in boosting Wichman’s confidence and focus as she prepared for the upcoming competition.
In the women’s 200-meter breaststroke event, Wichman stunned the world with her exceptional performance. Displaying remarkable skill and determination, she surpassed her opponents, including the formidable Đurđica Bjedov of Yugoslavia, to claim the gold medal. With a final time of 2:44.4, Wichman not only secured the victory but also set a new Olympic record, making her the first American woman to win the 200-meter breaststroke title in the history of the Olympic Games.
Wichman’s success did not end there. In the women’s 100-meter breaststroke, she demonstrated her prowess once again, earning a bronze medal with a time of 1:16.1. Although she narrowly missed out on the gold, being out-touched by Bjedov by just three tenths of a second, Wichman’s performance was a testament to her strength and determination.
Following her Olympic triumph, Wichman continued to excel in the world of swimming. In 1969, she captured the national short-course title in the 100-meter breaststroke and consistently placed among the top three in national competitions. Her talents extended beyond the national level, as she also secured international titles in the 100 and 200-meter breaststroke events in Bremen, Germany.
Outside of her athletic achievements, Wichman pursued her education at R. Nelson Snider High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she graduated in 1970. Later, she married David Jones in 1973 and settled in nearby Churubusco, Indiana, where she raised her two sons.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the sport of swimming, Wichman was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame as an Honor Swimmer in 1991. Her legacy as an Olympic champion and trailblazer for American women in swimming continues to inspire generations of athletes.
Awards:
– Olympic gold medalist – women’s 200-meter breaststroke (1968)
– Olympic bronze medalist – women’s 100-meter breaststroke (1968)