2011 STARS Hall of Fame

Debbie Meyer

Olympic Champion • Swimming Icon • Youth Mentor
Rio Americano HS

Debbie Meyer is one of the most celebrated swimmers in Olympic history and a lifelong advocate for young athletes. At just 16 years old, she became the first swimmer to win three individual gold medals in a single Olympic Games—dominating the 200m, 400m, and 800m freestyle events at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. Over her extraordinary career, she set 20 world records, claimed 19 national titles, and earned nearly every major honor in the sport, including Swimming World's Swimmer of the Year and the James E. Sullivan Award.

A graduate of Rio Americano High School, Debbie went on to become Sacramento’s “Athlete of the Century” in 1999 and has been inducted into numerous halls of fame, including the International Swimming Hall of Fame, U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame, and National High School Hall of Fame.

Following her competitive career, Debbie dedicated herself to coaching and youth development. Though the Debbie Meyer Swim School in Carmichael has since closed, she continues to inspire and train young swimmers. She remains a beloved figure in the swimming community—mentoring with the same passion, discipline, and humility that defined her as an athlete.