Michelle Richardson was born in Nicaragua to US parents, but the family moved to the United States when she was 10 because of the Nicaraguan Revolution. Her brother, Frank Richardson, competed internationally for Nicaragua and swam at the 1976 Olympics, before they had left the country. Michelle Richardson was a distance freestyler who swam for Clemson after the 1984 Olympics. She was ACC Champion in the 1,650 yard freestyle in 1989. She actually wanted to represent Nicaragua internationally, like her brother, but was denied by the new Nicaraguan government. Richardson was only 15-years-old when she competed at the 1984 Olympics. She later settled back in Nicaragua and was the team leader for their 2012 Olympic team. Through 2012 no Nicaraguan, competing for Nicaragua, has won an Olympic medal.
Personal Bests – 200 free: 2:02.80 (); 400 free: 4:11.40 (); 800 free: 8:28.32 (); 1500 free: 16:12.57 ().
United States