The 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal featured a pair of dominant team performances. There was the excellence of the American men, who claimed victory in 12 of the 13 events. There was also the dominance of the women from the German Democratic Republic, who won 11 of the 13 events.
There was a distinct difference in how the U.S. men and East German women arrived at their success, however. While the American onslaught was fueled by hard work and pure talent, East Germany benefited – as official records eventually revealed – from a systematic-doping program.
Despite the illicit approach by the GDR, one U.S. women’s relay was not going to be denied.
When the 400-meter freestyle relay rolled around as the final women’s event of the Olympic program, few individuals believed Team USA had a chance at the gold medal. After all, East Germany had routed the competition for days, and boasted the gold and silver medalists from the 100 freestyle.
How could the United States possibly contend? It came down to a matter of belief.
Yet, the quartet of Kim Peyton, Wendy Boglioli, Jill Sterkel and Shirley Babashoff convinced itself that a magical moment was possible. The athletes were determined to end the competition on a high note.
The story ends with the United States beating East Germany by .68 and establishing a world record of 3:44.82, breaking the former mark by four seconds. One of the biggest upsets in Olympic history had been registered, and four women demonstrated what belief and teamwork can do.
Come join the 1976 Women’s Gold Medal Relay and find out just how “The Last Gold” actually happened! And share the stories of the rest of this year’s Class of 2024 in Fort Lauderdale.
If you cannot join us, please 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:
Honor Swimmers:
Lars Frölander (SWE)
Daniel Gyurta (HUN)
Dana Vollmer (USA)
1976 Women’s 4×100 Freestyle Gold Medal Relay Team (USA)
(Includes Shirley Babashoff, Wendy Boglioli, Kim Peyton*, Jill Sterkel)
Honor Divers:
Alexandre Despatie (CAN)
Yulia Pakhalina (RUS)
Wu Minxia (CHN) 2023
Honor Artistic Swimmer:
Virginie Dedieu (FRA)
Honor Water Polo Players:
Carmela “Lilli” Allucci (ITA)
Vladimir Akimov* (USSR)
Honor Coach:
Dennis Pursley (USA)
Honor Contributor:
Dale Neuburger (USA)
ISHOF 59th Annual Honoree Induction weekend
~ HOTEL INFORMATION ~
Host Hotel: Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort & Spa
To make reservations click here: https://book.passkey.com/e/50757008
321 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 467-1111. Special ISHOF Guest Rate of $229 per night,
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 – $199 per night
~ TICKET INFORMATION ~
Friday, October 4, 2024: Includes:
The Masters International Swimming Hall of Fame (MISHOF) Induction Ceremony
The ISHOF Aquatic Awards presented by AquaCal and
The ISHOF Specialty Awards
Click here to purchase tickets: MISHOF/AWARDS
Saturday, October 5, 2024: Includes
The 59th Annual International Swimming Hall of Fame Honoree Induction Ceremony
The Al Schoenfield Media Award and
The 2024 ISHOF Gold Medallion Award
Click here to purchase tickets: INDUCTION
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