Sheila Taormina is first female athlete to qualify for the Olympics in three different sports: swimming, triathlon, and modern pentathlon. Taormina grew up swimming and represented the University of Georgia, captaining the team in 1991. It wasn’t until after Taormina completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from UGA in 1994 that she set her eyes on the Olympics and began training in her hometown of Livonia, Michigan while also pursuing a full-time career in the automotive industry. Taormina’s first Olympic appearance was at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta at the age of 27, followed by the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, and the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Taormina earned a gold medal at the Atlanta Games as part of the 800m freestyle relay, where the relay also set an Olympic Record. Between her four Olympic experiences, she has covered the disciplines of swimming, cycling, running, pistol shooting, fencing, and equestrian show jumping. In 2015, Taormina was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.

Career Highlights

• 1996 USA Olympic Team gold medalist in the 800m freestyle relay
• 2000 and 2004 USA Olympic Team (triathlon)
• 2008 USA Olympic Team (modern pentathlon)
• 13x All-American
• SEC Champion in the 400m Individual Medley