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Images Courtesy of
John Naber
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Naber’s swimming career was brief when compared to most,
but his accomplishments still stand the test of time.
1976 Olympic Games, Montreal
John Naber became America’s most decorated athlete at
the 1976 Games in Montreal, winning four gold and one
silver medal. He set six world records over his career,
and the records he set at the Olympics lasted an amazing
seven years after his retirement. He was also the first
swimmer in history to win two individual Olympic medals on
the same day of competition.
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100 Meter Backstroke, Gold Medal, World Record |
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200 Meter Backstroke, Gold Medal, World Record |
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200 Meter Freestyle, Silver Medal |
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400 Meter Medley Relay, Gold Medal, World Record |
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800 Meter Free relay, Gold Medal, World Record |
Naber was the first backstroker to break the 2 minute barrier in the 200 meter
backstroke, the first to break the 50 seconds in the 100 yard distance, the
first to break 1:50.00 at 200 yards, and was the first and last Olympic backstroker to
travel any distance faster than the existing butterfly world record.
Collegiate Career
For four years, Naber was the top point scorer at the NCAA National
Championships, leading his school (USC Trojans) to his and their fourth
undefeated season and national title, while earning a record ten individual
titles and five relay crowns. He also earned the sport’s high point award
(Robert Kiputh Award) on three occasions, and earned the 1977 James E. Sullivan
Award as America’s top amateur athlete.
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A record 10 individual NCAA titles (in 12 swims) plus five relay titles
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Four National NCAA Team Titles (1974-1977)
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USC was undefeated in dual-meet, conference or national level competition during
all his four years.
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Naber was undefeated in backstroke in four years of NCAA competition
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Other Awards and Honors
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James E. Sullivan Award (the nation’s top amateur athlete)
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Three times Robert J. Kiputh Award Winner (National High Point Award)
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1977 UNESCO / Pierre De Coubertain Fair Play Trophy
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NCAA Top 5 Scholar-Athlete Award
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| Member, Board of Directors of the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing
Committee
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Olympic Flagbearer, 1984
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Olympic torch-bearer, 1986,1996,2002
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Naber was elected to two terms (1996-2000, 2000-2004) as President of the US Olympic Alumni
Association (a collection of over 6,000 Olympic team members, nationwide). He
was also chosen as the male captain of the "Xerox 100 Golden Olympians", in a
nationwide USAToday poll.
Halls of Fame
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US Olympic Committee Hall of Fame
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International Swimming and Diving Hall of Fame
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USC Sports Hall of Fame
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Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame |
To find out more about John Naber’s broadcasting or speaking
services, or to view video clips featuring John Naber, click on your choice of
subject links below.
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