Jenny Thompson

Jenny Thompson is a retired American swimmer and one of the most decorated Olympians in the history of the Olympic Games. She was born on February 26, 1973, in Danvers, Massachusetts. Thompson is renowned for her achievements in the pool, particularly in freestyle and butterfly stroke events.

Early Life and Education

Jenny Thompson grew up in Dover, New Hampshire, where she began swimming at a young age. She attended Stanford University, where she swam for the Stanford Cardinal swimming and diving team under coach Richard Quick. During her time at Stanford, she won numerous NCAA titles and set several records.

Olympic Career

Thompson made her Olympic debut at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. Over the course of her career, she competed in four Olympic Games: 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004. She won a total of 12 Olympic medals, including 8 golds, 3 silvers, and 1 bronze. Most of her gold medals came from her participation in relay events, where she was a key member of the U.S. women's team.

1992 Barcelona Olympics

At the 1992 Olympics, Thompson won two gold medals in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay and the 4x100-meter medley relay.

1996 Atlanta Olympics

In the 1996 Olympics held in Atlanta, Georgia, she won three gold medals in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay, 4x100-meter medley relay, and 4x200-meter freestyle relay.

2000 Sydney Olympics

During the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia, Thompson added three more gold medals to her collection in the same relay events as in 1996.

2004 Athens Olympics

In her final Olympic appearance at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece, Thompson won two silver medals in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay and the 4x100-meter medley relay, and a bronze medal in the 100-meter freestyle.

World Championships

In addition to her Olympic success, Thompson also excelled at the World Aquatics Championships. She won multiple medals, including golds in both individual and relay events, further establishing her as one of the top swimmers in the world.

Post-Swimming Career

After retiring from competitive swimming, Thompson pursued a career in medicine. She attended the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and became an anesthesiologist. Thompson has also been involved in various charitable activities and has worked to promote swimming and healthy lifestyles.

Legacy

Jenny Thompson is widely regarded as one of the greatest female swimmers of all time. Her contributions to the sport have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including induction into the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

See Also

• List of multiple Olympic gold medalists
• List of Olympic medalists in swimming (women)
• Swimming at the Summer Olympics
• Stanford Cardinal