Missy Franklin Among Headliners of International Swimming Hall of Fame Class of 2023
Her charismatic personality and ear-to-ear smile captivated the swimming world from the moment she emerged as an international superstar to the day she announced her retirement. Her countless fans were enthralled by a bubbly persona that – in part – made her a face of the sport, and one of the best-known Olympic athletes on the planet.
Of course, that likeability and charm would have gone unnoticed on the global stage if not for the vast talent, desire and hard work that carried Missy Franklin to the greatest of heights as an Olympic gold medalist, world champion and world-record setter.
Even before her teen years, Missy Franklin was pegged as a future star. Training with the Colorado Stars under the direction of coach Todd Schmitz, Franklin produced dazzling times across several events, including a collection of National Age Group records. It seemed obvious that – one day – she would establish herself as a headliner for Team USA.
A year after representing the United States at the 2010 Pan Pacific Championships, Franklin lost any remaining anonymity when she competed at the 2011 World Championships in Shanghai. The competition proved to be a launching point toward the 2012 Olympic Games in London, as Franklin claimed gold in the 200-meter backstroke and jumpstarted the U.S. 800 freestyle relay to victory with a stunning leadoff split. So impressive was Franklin on the front of the American relay that Katie Hoff, preparing to handle the third leg, turned to her teammates and asked, “Did she just do that?”
Given her surge to international phenom, the expectations thrust upon Franklin were massive heading into the 2012 Olympic campaign. Yet, with her trademark smile, the 17-year-old Franklin handled the pressure with aplomb. At the London Games, Franklin was spectacular, tallying four gold medals and a bronze medal, and just missing another podium finish with a fourth-place effort in the 200 freestyle.
The highlights of Franklin’s Olympic debut were titles in the 100 backstroke and 200 backstroke, races which unfolded in distinctly different fashion. While Franklin obliterated the field in the 200 backstroke, thanks to a world-record swim, she relied on an epic comeback to mine gold in the 100 backstroke.
Coming off the semifinals of the 200 freestyle, Franklin had only 15 minutes prior to the start of the final of the 100 back. With every minute precious, the U.S. coaching staff arranged for Franklin to use the diving well at the London Aquatic Center for her warmdown. Ultimately, the approach paid dividends. Despite trailing Australian Emily Seebohm by a sizable margin at the turn and midway down the last length, Franklin continually narrowed her deficit down the stretch and touched the wall ahead of Seebohm. It was a triumph that can be described as nothing less than a spectacular combination of grit and determination.
“It’s indescribable,” Franklin said of becoming an Olympic champion. “I still can’t believe that happened. I don’t even know what to think. I saw my parents’ reaction on the screen and I just started bawling.”
At the next year’s World Championships in Barcelona, Franklin was even better, securing six gold medals, including individual titles in the 100 backstroke, 200 backstroke and 200 freestyle. It was an iconic performance, rating as one of the finest in the 50-year history of the World Champs.
Although injuries plagued Franklin over the next few years, she qualified for her second Olympics in 2016, and earned a medal in the 800 freestyle relay. She was also an NCAA team and individual champion at Cal-Berkeley and became the first woman to crack the 1:40 barrier in the 200-yard freestyle.
Franklin officially announced her retirement in late 2018, but for years to come, her contributions to the sport will be remembered – both for her skill in the water, and the way she carried herself among her teammates, competitors and fans.
Come join Missy and this year’s spectacular class of 2023 in Ft. Lauderdale. If you cannot join us, consider making a donation. To make a donation, click here: https://www.ishof.org/donate/
This year’s International Swimming Hall of Fame Honorees include:
International Swimming Hall of Fame 2023 Honorees
Bob Bowman (USA)……………..…….…….….….…Honor Coach
Chris Carver (USA)………..……………..…….………Honor Coach
Cesar Cielo (BRA)…………..….…….…..….……Honor Swimmer
Kirsty Coventry (ZMB)…………..…….……..….Honor Swimmer
Missy Franklin (USA)…………..…..……..……… Honor Swimmer
Natalia Ischenko (RUS)…….…Honor Synchronized Swimmer
Kosuke Kitajima (JPN)……….……………….……Honor Swimmer
Heather Petri (USA)……..………..…… Honor Water Polo Player
Michael Phelps (USA)………………..….…………Honor Swimmer
Wu Minxia (CHN)……………………..…….………..……Honor Diver
Sam Ramsamy (RSA)…………….………….…..Honor Contributor
Stephane LeCat (FRA).………..…Honor Open Water Swimmer
Trischa Zorn (USA).………..………Honor Paralympic Swimmer
ISHOF 58th Annual Honoree Induction weekend
September 29-30, 2023 – Complete schedule will be forthcoming soon.
HOTEL INFORMATION
Host Hotel: Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
To make reservations click here: https://book.passkey.com/e/50527236
Upscale retreat with private beach access, two pools, four restaurants, full-service spa and oceanside bar. Location of the Saturday evening induction ceremony. ¼ mile south of the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
3030 Holiday Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 525-4000
Special ISHOF Guest Rate of $229 per night,
($39 Resort fee – Guests can opt out if not interested in resort amenities)
Additional Hotel Option:
Courtyard Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach
Book your group rate for Honoree Ceremony
440 Seabreeze Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 524-8733
Special ISHOF Guest Rate of $169 – $189 per night
Honoree Ceremony September 29-30, 2023: Last Day to Book: Friday, August 31, 2023