Hogshead, Nancy (1962—)

American swimmer who won three Olympic gold medals. Born in Iowa City, Iowa, on April 17, 1962.

Won a gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle (tying with Carrie Steinseifer), in the 4x100-meter medley relay, and in the 4x100-meter freestyle, and a silver medal in the 200-meter individual medley, in the Los Angeles Olympics (1984).

Nancy Hogshead began swimming competitively in 1976, specializing in the butterfly and individual medley. She soon was placing 2nd and 3rd in many competitions, but it was not until 1977 that she won two gold medals in national competition, both in butterfly, in the 100 yards and 200 meters. In 1978, she won a gold in the 200-yards butterfly. Named to the 1980 Olympic team, Hogshead was in her prime when the American boycott of the Moscow Olympics dashed her hopes for a medal. In 1981 and 1982, she stayed out of competition, deciding that training was simply too grueling.

In 1983, she was named the Comeback Swimmer of the Year after she won a bronze in the 200-yards and 200-meter butterfly. Then, Hogshead began to work on freestyle and at the U.S. Swimming International meet in January 1984, she won bronze medals in the 100- and 200-meter freestyle. She was also high-point scorer. At the indoor nationals that same year, Hogshead took the gold in freestyle.

When the Los Angeles Olympics arrived, the comeback swimmer was ready. Hogshead won a gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle tying with Carrie Steinseifer at 55:92, the first time two gold medals were awarded for a dead heat. Teamed with Carrie, Jenna Johnson , and Dara Torres , Hogshead also won a gold in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay. Swimming with Theresa Andrews, Tracy Caulkins , and Mary T. Meagher in the 4x100-meter medley Hogshead picked up her third gold. She then swam behind Caulkins in the 200-meter individual medley to pick up a silver.

Karin Loewen Haag , Athens, Georgia