Celebrate Natalie Coughlin’s Birthday With A Look Back On The Legend

Photo Courtesy: JD Lasica

Today Natalie Coughlin turns 34. To celebrate the Backstroke Queen’s big day, Swimming World took a look back at the legend’s path through the sport.

In February, the Cal swimmer was named Pac 12 Swimmer of the Century after winning 11 individual NCAA titles in her career. Writers have reflected on her status as an idol and her longevity in the sport, while also looking at her healthy lifestyle.

Dive into more of Swimming World‘s coverage of Coughlin’s accomplishments here.

The talented Coughlin has had quite the storied career becoming the first woman to ever break the one-minute barrier in the 100-meter backstroke days before her 20th birthday in 2002. Additionally Coughlin has had immense success as an Olympic athlete becoming the first woman to win six medals in a single Olympiad, and the first woman to successfully secure the 100-meter back title at back-to-back Olympics.

With a total of 12 Olympic medals to her name, Coughlin shares the throne of most decorated Olympic swimmer with fellow American greats Jenny Thompson and Dara Torres. Additionally, Coughlin was crowned Swimming World’s World Swimmer of the Year in 2002 and American Swimmer of the Year in 2001, 2002, and 2008.

Coughlin has graced the cover of Swimming World Magazine six times in her storied career, the first being in August 1998 when she was named High School Swimmer of the Year. Coughlin also made a seventh appearance on the 2008 Olympic bonus issue. Check out those covers below:

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Happy Birthday Natalie from all of us at Swimming World!

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Pippa

7 years ago

That is very great work