Dara Torres
Height: 6-0 (182.9 cm)
Residence: Parkland, Fla.
College: Florida '90
College Major: Telecommunications
Coached By: Michael Lohberg
Fast Facts
- Five-time Olympian (2008, 2000, 1992, 1988, 1984)
- 12 Olympic medals (4 Gold, 4 Silver, 4 Bronze)
- First American to swim in five Olympic Games
Career Highlights
First American to swim in five Olympics Games...most decorated female athlete at the 2000 Olympic Games with five medals...oldest U.S. swimming gold medalist in history...former world record holder in 50m free...re-emerged onto the swimming scene by coming out of retirement in July of 1999 after seven years away from the sport.
- Olympic History: 1984: Gold, 400m FR-R ... 1988: Bronze, 400m FR-R; Silver 400m MR ... Gold, 400m FR-R ... 2000: Gold, 400m MR & 400m FR-R; Bronze, 50m FR, 100m FR, 100m FL ... 2008: Silver, 50m FR, 400m FR-R, 400m MR
- World Champs History: 1986: Silver, 400m FR-R
- Pan Pacs History: 1987: Gold, 100m FR, 400m FR-R, 400m MR
- Pan Ams History: 1983: Gold, 400m FR-R
- U.S. Nationals History: Owns 15 U.S. national titles from 1982 to 2000 ... nine in the 50m free, five in the 100m free and one in the 200m free
- 2007 World Rankings: 4th, 50m free; 8th, 100m free
- National Titles: 50m Free (9): '07 SUM (AR), '00 SUM, '00 SPG, '88 SPG, '87 SPG, '84 SPG, '83 SUM, '82...100m Free (5): '07 SUM, '00 SPG, '88 SPG, '87 SUM, '85 SPG...200m Free (1): '91 SUM
Records
Holds AR in 50m FR, set at 2000 US Olympic Games...former AR holder in 100m FL, set at 2000 U.S. Olympic Trials...former AR holder in 400m FR-R, set at 2000 Olympic Games...holds USO in 50m FL, set at 2000 Olympic Trials...former OR holder in 400m FR-R, set at 2000 Olympic Games
Additional Honors
- Collegiate: Southeastern Conference Athlete of the Year
Personal
- Parents: Edward and Marylu
- Sibling(s): Four brothers: Mike, Kirk, Rick and Brad...one sister: Lara
- Family: Has one daughter (Tessa) who was born in April 2006..."right now this little girl has all my attention, and I think we're both liking that right now!"
- Job Outside of Swimming: Had a successful television career, including a stint as host of "Extreme Step," a segment of the Discovery Channel's science and technology show, "The Next Stop"...has worked on-air for ESPN, TNT and Fox News
- Sports Played Before Swimming: Volleyball, basketball
- Hobbies Outside the Pool: Playing with her daughter, Tessa, playing sports
- Most Influential Person: Father..."he worked hard and was very dedicated."
- More: Serves as a spokesperson for the Tae-Bo workout videotapes...became the first Olympic athlete to appear with supermodels in Sports Illustrated's swimsuit issue in 1994...was part of President George W. Bush's Inaugural ceremonies as a speaker and host at various activities
- Favorites: Movie: "Chariots of Fire"...TV show: "CSI"...music: classic rock