Rich Saeger was a mid-distance freestyler who swam at Mercersburg Academy and then Southern Methodist University (SMU), graduating from SMU in 1986. Saeger competed at the 1982 World Championships. In the 200 freestyle he stayed on the starting blocks for a time when he thought there was a false start, but none was called, and it prevented him from making the final. He did win gold in Guayaquil in the 4x200 free relay. Saeger also won gold in the 4x200 at the 1983 Pan American Games and added a silver in the event at the 1983 Universiade. Saeger swam the relay heats at the 1984 Olympics, helping the US team set a world record, which was then bettered by the US team in the final. He continued to swim after the Olympics in masters events, setting multiple records.