Born: 1973 (Mackay, Queensland)
Biography:
Susan O’Neill, AM (born 2 August 1973) is an Australian former competitive swimmer from Brisbane, Queensland, nicknamed Madame Butterfly. She achieved eight Olympic Games medals during her swimming career.
Early Life:
Susan (Susie) O’Neill was born on 2 August 1973 in Mackay, Queensland, to Trish and John O’Neill. She grew up in a loving family and has two siblings, a brother, and a sister. When Susan was young, her family relocated to Brisbane, where she attended Lourdes Hill College (LHC) in Hawthorne.
During her time at LHC, O’Neill’s athleticism shone brightly. She excelled in various sports and set school records in events such as the 50m and 100m butterfly, freestyle, and backstroke. Additionally, she showcased her talent in athletics, earning the title of LHC cross-country champion. O’Neill’s remarkable performances didn’t stop there. She set records for the 13 years 800m in 1986 and the 15 years 400m in 1988. Notably, these records remained unbroken as of 2011.
Swimming Career:
O’Neill’s professional swimming career was nothing short of extraordinary. She displayed exceptional skills and perseverance, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Throughout her career, she triumphed in numerous competitions, earning a total of 35 Australian titles, eight Olympic medals, including two gold, and 24 gold medals in major international competitions. Only Emma McKeon, Ian Thorpe, and Leisel Jones have remarkably achieved more Olympic medals for Australia.
O’Neill’s first international success came at the 1990 Commonwealth Games, where she won two medals, a gold, and a silver. From there, she continued to add to her impressive medal collection at every international competition she participated in until her final Olympics.
At the 1996 Summer Olympics, O’Neill clinched the gold medal in the 200m butterfly, solidifying her status as an elite athlete. Four years later, at the 2000 Summer Olympics, she demonstrated her versatility and secured another gold medal, this time in the 200m freestyle.
During the 2000 Olympic Games Trials, O’Neill achieved the remarkable feat of breaking the 19-year standing world record of another legendary Madame Butterfly, Mary T. Meagher, in the 200m butterfly. However, she faced an unexpected upset at the Olympics, finishing behind American Misty Hyman.
O’Neill’s dedication and talent were nurtured by renowned coaches throughout her career. She trained under Bernie Wakefield until 1994 before joining the Commercial Swimming Club in Brisbane, where Scott Volkers became her coach.
Post-Swimming Career:
Following her retirement from competitive swimming, O’Neill remained active and continued to contribute to the sports community and society as a whole. She became an ambassador for the Fred Hollows Foundation, working towards the noble cause of eradicating preventable blindness.
In 2006, O’Neill showcased her expertise in swimming by providing commentary at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, where she shared her insights and observations with audiences worldwide through the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
O’Neill’s exceptional contributions to the sports community extended to the international stage when she served as the Oceania athletes’ representative on the International Olympic Committee from 2000 to 2005. Her dedication and commitment to advancing the interests of athletes made a lasting impact on the Olympic movement.
On 10 March 2007, during the 12th FINA World Championship, O’Neill received a well-deserved honor. The temporary swimming pool in the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne was dedicated to her for the duration of the competition, acknowledging her immense contributions and remarkable achievements.
In addition to her involvement in the sports world, O’Neill ventured into the realm of media. She became a co-host on Nova 106.9’s breakfast radio show, Ash, Luttsy & Susie, captivating listeners with her engaging personality and insightful commentary.
Awards:
– Multiple-time Olympic medalist
– Two-time Olympic gold medalist
– Received 35 Australian titles
– Won numerous gold medals in major international competitions
Susan O’Neill’s legacy as an athlete, ambassador, and media personality remains an inspiration to aspiring swimmers and sports enthusiasts worldwide. Her remarkable achievements and commitment to making a positive impact on society serve as a testament to her enduring influence on women’s history.