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Tracy Caulkins - Finally Won Olympic Gold

Spurred on by those who still counted her out of Olympic contention, Caulkins reacquired her aggressiveness in training and in races. She did well at the Olympics, where she was captain of the swim team. At the Olympic Trials, she set an American record in the 200-meter individual medley. At the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, she won the 200-meter medley (setting an Olympic record with a time of 2:12.64); the 400-meter medley (with a time of 4.39.4); and with three others as part of 4 × 100-meter medley relay team. Caulkins also placed fourth in the 100-meter breast-stroke. The United States Olympic Committee named her Sportswoman of the Year, while the U.S. Swimming Association named her Swimmer of the Year.

After the Olympics ended, the 21-year-old Caulkins retired. Over the course of Caulkins distinguished swimming career, she made swimming look easy. University of Florida Coach Randy Reese told Dave Anderson of the New York Times, "She's the greatest swimmer this country has ever had, by far. Her sheer ability, her versatility in all four strokes, and her durability in being so great for so long."

Where Is She Now?

After her retirement, Caulkins finished her degree in broadcast journalism at the University of Florida, but did not swim for the school's team. Instead, she did commercial endorsements, and worked as a commentator for swimming competitions. The University of Florida created a swimming scholarship in her name called the Tracy Caulkins Award give to Florida's best female swimmer. After marrying swimmer Mark Stockwell in 1991, Caulkins and her husband moved to Australia. They had three children, a daughter, Emily, and twins Maddison and William. In Australia, she worked as an executive officer for the Australian Academy of Sport in Queensland, Australia, and was president of Womensport Queensland.

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3 months ago

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