Mary Ellen (Blanchard) Warta was an American and U.S. Open Record holder who swam for Norcross High School, Dynamo Swim Club, and Stanford. As a sophomore in high school, Blanchard broke the American and U.S. Open Record in the 200y breaststroke. Between 1989 and 1991, she went on to win 10 National titles. Blanchard’s national record in the 200y breaststroke stood for 10 years. While swimming at Stanford, the team won four straight NCAA swimming championships. Blanchard was awarded the ConocoPhillips Performance Award by USA Swimming in 1989. She was also a member of the 1989 Pan Pacific team, 1990 Goodwill Games team, and 1991 World Championship team. In 2011, Blanchard was inducted into the Gwinnett Sports Hall of Fame.

Career Highlights

• American Record holder in the 200y breaststroke
• U.S. Open Record holder in the 200y breaststroke
• 9x All-American