Sharon Stouder

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexFemale
Full nameSharon Marie•Stouder (-Clark)
Used nameSharon•Stouder
Born9 November 1948 in Altadena, California (USA)
Died23 June 2013
Measurements173 cm / 61 kg
AffiliationsCommerce Swim Club
NOC United States
Medals OG
Gold 3
Silver 1
Bronze 0
Total 4

Biography

Fifteen-year-old Sharon Stouder from Glendora High School in California was the surprise swimmer of the 1964 Olympics. She was the unexpected winner of the 100m butterfly, defeating the highly favored Ada Kok, and depriving the Dutch girl of her world record in the bargain. In the 100m freestyle she nearly caused even a greater upset, finishing only 0.4 seconds down to the great Dawn Fraser. In taking the silver medal she became the second woman to break the one-minute barrier. She won two more gold medals in the relays, picking up world record shares in both events. Her other successes included a gold medal in the medley relay at the 1963 Pan-American Games and, at the 1964 AAU outdoor championships, she won the 100m freestyle and both butterfly events, bettering her own world record in the 200 fly.

Stouder would later graduate from Stanford and became a member of the Stanford (1997) and International Swim (1972) Halls of Fame. In 1984 she was honored by Stanford by lighting the Olympic Torch at the Stanford Stadium for the soccer events that were held there.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1964 Summer Olympics Swimming (Aquatics) USA Sharon Stouder
100 metres Freestyle, Women (Olympic) 2 Silver
4 × 100 metres Freestyle Relay, Women (Olympic) United States 1 Gold
100 metres Butterfly, Women (Olympic) 1 Gold
4 × 100 metres Medley Relay, Women (Olympic) United States 1 Gold

Special Notes