Ferguson, Cathy Jean (1948–)
Ferguson, Cathy Jean (1948–)
American swimmer and coach. Name variations: Cathy Ferguson-Pillar. Born July 17, 1948, in Burbank, California; trained with Peter Daland; attended Glendale College and Cal State Long Beach; Montana University, MA; United States International University, PhD.
At 16, bested five other world-record holders to win the 100-meter backstroke and also took gold in the 4×100-meter medley relay at Tokyo Olympics (1964); held 5 world records, 10 American records and 13 national titles; retired from competitive swimming at 19 and became a coach at Long Beach and was a professor of physical education there (1976–93). Was only the 3rd woman inducted into the Los Angeles Athletic Club-John Wooden Hall of Fame; also inducted into International Swimming Hall of Fame.