Not every Swimming Champion is an Olympian
The Olympics are held every four years. Some of the greatest swimming champions don't peak on that schedule. Many champions have their best years on the years in between Olympics. Sometimes athletes get injured. Unfortunately, some nations boycott the Olympics, which costs the swimmers the opportunity. And sometimes, a great swimming nation like the United States or Australia will have so many great swimmers in one event that a champion won't even make the team. No matter the case, these are champions that I enjoy collecting just as much.
Gretchen Hegener - University of Minnesota
Gretchen Hegener was the 1997 Big Ten Female Athlete of the Year. She was also the NCAA 100 Breaststoke Champion, becoming the first ever NCAA Swimming Champion from the University of Minnesota. She has gone on to become a successful teacher and coach in Minnesota for many young people.
I wrote to Gretchen when she was a senior at Minnesota. She was kind enough to sign two cards and enclose a nice letter in response. |
Maggie Bowen - Auburn University
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Maggie Bowen narrowly missed making the 2000 Olympic team. But, her accomplishments were still outstanding. She won six medals in World Championships, Pan Pacific, and Pan American Games competitions. She was a multiple time NCAA Individual Medley Champion at Auburn (and won the SEC title every single year she competed), in addition to leading Auburn to team titles. When it comes to being a great collegiate swimmer, Bowen is right at the top.
I got this autograph from her when she was a senior at Auburn. She was kind enough to respond to me and sign multiple items. |