"I've always competed because I just love swimming."--Jenny Thompson.

American Jenny Thompson is a bullet in the pool. She has had great success in swimming's sprint races, setting two world records: one in the 100-meter freestyle in 1992 and one in the 100-meter butterfly event in 1998. Thompson has also been a team leader for the U.S. national team, winning five Olympic relay gold medals, the most gold medals ever won by an American woman in the Summer Games. In 1998 Thompson broke through and won her first international gold medals, in the 100-meter freestyle and 100-meter butterfly, at the World Swimming Championships in Sydney, Australia. She continues to train with her eyes set on adding to her trophy case at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.

Growing Up

Family Affair

Jenny Thompson was born February 26, 1973. She grew up in Georgetown, Massachusetts. Thompson was raised by her mother, Margrid...