Tom McBreen

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameThomas Sean "Tom"•McBreen
Used nameTom•McBreen
Born31 August 1952 in Spokane, Washington (USA)
Measurements183 cm / 70 kg
AffiliationsGolden Gate Aquatic Club
NOC United States
Medals OG
Gold 0
Silver 0
Bronze 1
Total 1

Biography

After winning a silver medal in the 1,500 m freestyle at the 1971 Pan American Games, Tom McBreen set a world record in the 400 m free later in the month. He was also a member of two world record breaking teams in the 800 m freestyle relay in 1970 (with Gary Hall, John Kinsella, and the non-Olympian Mark Lambert) and 1971 (with Jerry Heidenreich, Mark Spitz, and Fred Tyler). McBreen, who swam for Southern Cal and the Golden Gate SC, won the AAU outdoor 400 m freestyle in 1971 and 1972. All his records and championships were won despite being legally blind in both eyes, and having suffered several minor injuries – all to his right side – during his swim career. McBreen later went to medical school and specialized in family medicine.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1972 Summer Olympics Swimming (Aquatics) USA Tom McBreen
400 metres Freestyle, Men (Olympic) 3 Bronze
4 × 200 metres Freestyle Relay, Men (Olympic) United States 1

Special Notes