John Hencken

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameJohn Frederick•Hencken
Used nameJohn•Hencken
Born29 May 1954 in Culver City, California (USA)
Measurements183 cm / 77 kg
AffiliationsSanta Clara SC, Santa Clara (USA)
NOC United States
Medals OG
Gold 3
Silver 1
Bronze 1
Total 5

Biography

John Hencken began swimming as therapy to recover from an operation which removed a growth behind his knee. He ended up setting six world records in the 100m breaststroke and five in the 200m, and both his individual Olympic titles were won with new world records. Another of his world records came in the 1975 World Championships where he won the 100m breaststroke. Hencken, who attended Stanford and also swam for the Santa Clara SC, won 10 AAU titles between 1972 and 1976.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1972 Summer Olympics Swimming (Aquatics) USA John Hencken
100 metres Breaststroke, Men (Olympic) 3 Bronze
200 metres Breaststroke, Men (Olympic) 1 Gold
4 × 100 metres Medley Relay, Men (Olympic) United States 1
1976 Summer Olympics Swimming (Aquatics) USA John Hencken
100 metres Breaststroke, Men (Olympic) 1 Gold
200 metres Breaststroke, Men (Olympic) 2 Silver
4 × 100 metres Medley Relay, Men (Olympic) United States 1 Gold

Special Notes