Craig Oppel
Biographical information
| Roles | Competed in Olympic Games |
|---|---|
| Sex | Male |
| Full name | Richard Craig•Oppel |
| Used name | Craig•Oppel |
| Born | 10 August 1967 in Keflavík, Höfuðborgarsvæði (ISL) |
| Measurements | 193 cm / 91 kg |
| Affiliations | UCLA Bruins, Los Angeles (USA) |
| NOC |  United States |
| Medals | OG |
| Gold | 1 |
| Silver | 0 |
| Bronze | 0 |
| Total | 1 |
Biography
Craig Oppel was a mid-distance freestyler who swam for UCLA in college. He competed for the United States at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, the 1985 Universiade, and the 1985 and 1987 Pan Pacifics. Oppel won gold medals at the 1985 Universiade in both freestyle relays, also winning gold at the 1985 Pan Pacs in the 4x200. His greatest meet was the 1987 Pan Pacs where he won the 200 freestyle, won gold in both freestyle relays, and added a silver in the 100 free. Oppel also won gold in the 4x200 free relay at Seoul. He was known for his strong six-beat kick.
After his swimming career ended Oppel attended Drake University Law School, earning a JD degree in 1995. He then practiced family law in Iowa with his own firm of Allbee Barclay Allison Denning & Oppel. In his swimming retirement he also turned to competing in triathlons.
Results
| Games | Discipline (Sport) / Event | NOC / Team | Pos | Medal | As | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 Summer Olympics | Swimming (Aquatics) | USA |
Craig Oppel | |||
| 4 × 200 metres Freestyle Relay, Men (Olympic) | United States | 1 | Gold |
Special Notes
- Listed in Olympians Who Won a Medal at the Summer Universiade (2–0–0 1985 Kobe SWI gold: 4×100 m freestyle relay and 4×200 m freestyle relay)
- Listed in Olympians Who Won a Medal at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships (4–1–0 1985 Tokyo gold: 4×200 m freestyle relay; 1987 Brisbane gold: 200 m freestyle, 4×100 m freestyle relay, 4×200 m freestyle relay, silver: 100 m freestyle)
- Listed in Olympians Who Won a Medal at the World Aquatics Championships (1–0–0 1986 Madrid SWI gold: 4×100 m medley relay (swam in heats only))