Nicole Haislett

Nicole Haislett grew up swimming in Florida and then attended the University of Florida, where she excelled. Haislett was NCAA Champion in the 200 yd freestyle for four consecutive years (1991-94), won individual collegiate titles in the 200 IM in 1993 and the 500 yd free in 1994, and was a 28-time All-American. In her four years at Florida she was undefeated in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), was SEC Female Swimmer of the Year from 1991-94, and was SEC Female Athlete of the Year in 1993-94.

Internationally, Haislett won three gold medals at the Barcelona Olympics, with two relay golds, and winning the 200 freestyle. She also won three golds at the 1991 World Championships, in two relays, and the 100 freestyle. She returned to the Worlds in 1994 to win silver and bronze in two relays. Haislett competed at Pan Pacs in 1989, 1991, and 1993, winning seven gold medals and 11 medals in all. In 1990 Haislett won the 100 freestyle at the Goodwill Games, defeating East German Manuela Stellmach. She was the first American woman to defeat an East German sprint freestyler since 1972.

Haislett retired from competition in 1995. She spent a few years as an assistant coach for the Florida Gators women’s swim team. She then studied to be a chef at the Florida Culinary Institute and spent several years working in food service. Haislett was inducted into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 2005.