Debbie Meyer
Sports
"I don’t think I’ve ever been as emotional about an award as I was today. I am humbled to be a part of the inaugural group of stars."
Debbie Meyer is a three-time Olympic gold medalist from Carmichael and the first and only woman to win three individual freestyle swimming Olympic gold medals. She set world records in the 200-meter, 400-meter and 800-meter freestyle swimming events at the U.S. Olympic trials. In all, she broke 24 American records and won 19 Amateur Athletic Union national championships.
At the age of 16, Debbie was the first swimmer to win three individual gold medals during the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City and she is still considered one of the greatest female swimmers of all time. She remains the only female Olympian to win three individual freestyle swimming gold medals in one Olympics. No female swimmer has ever done this in any other combination of distances. She also won two gold medals in the 1967 Pan American Games at the age of 14. Debbie held five world records simultaneously and broke 20 world records and 24 American records from 1967 to 1971.
“The idea of a walk of stars in Sacramento is fantastic," said Debbie. "Growing up in Sacramento was a true joy. Obviously, it wasn't as big as it is now. The Solon's were the only professional team that had been associated with the city and now we have three. I was very proud to represent Sacramento on the world stage of amateur athletics. The support of the community was overwhelming. I am humbled to be a part of the inaugural group of stars.”
Debbie also:
- Held five world records simultaneously, 200 meter, 400 meter, 800 meter, 880 yard and 1500 meter freestyle events
- Won 19 national championships from 1967 to 1971
- Received the Professional Athlete of the Year award (the only amateur or female to receive this award)
- Was inducted into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame in 1986
- Was voted Athlete of the Century in Sacramento, CA in 1999
- Was inducted into the Sacramento Sports Hall of Fame in 2014
After retiring from competition, one of her priorities continues to be working with young people. “I have had such a rewarding career and I enjoy sharing it with others. Perhaps I may inspire someone else to strive for their best,” said Debbie. She has conducted motivational clinics nationwide and in 10 foreign countries, has coached from the grassroots level to NCAA Division 1 schools and has been a commentator for CBS Sports Spectacular and ESPN. Debbie has also done promotional work for Coca Cola, Sports Illustrated, M&M’s, Life Savers, Rainbow Bread Iron Kids, Speedo and Xerox.
