Back

Facts for Kids

Natalie Coughlin is an American swimmer and 12-time Olympic medalist known for her remarkable achievements in competitive swimming and her transition into culinary arts.

Overview

Olympic Achievements

Post Competitive Career

Early Life And Education

Philanthropy And Advocacy

Swimming Career Highlights

Personal Life And Interests

Legacy And Impact On Swimming

World Championships And Records

main image

Inside this Article

University Of California, Berkeley

Olympic Games

United States

Personality

Gold Medal

Community

Swimming

Did you know?

๐Ÿ“… Coughlin made her Olympic debut at the 2000 Sydney Games when she was just 17 years old.

๐ŸŒ She has set 60 American records and has won numerous championships throughout her career.

๐ŸŒŸ In 2002, she became the first female swimmer to win the prestigious Sullivan Award, given to the nation's most outstanding amateur athlete.

๐Ÿ† Coughlin earned her most recent Olympic medal at the 2016 Rio Games, competing in the relay events.

๐Ÿ“š Alongside her swimming career, she graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a degree in psychology.

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ After retiring from competitive swimming, Natalie ventured into the culinary world and became a successful chef.

๐Ÿ“บ She has appeared on several television shows, showcasing her skills in both cooking and swimming.

๐Ÿ’ช Coughlin is an advocate for sports and health, using her platform to inspire young athletes.

๐ŸŠโ€โ™€๏ธ Natalie Coughlin is a 12-time Olympic medalist, making her one of the most decorated female swimmers in history.

๐ŸŽ–๏ธ She was the first woman to swim the 100-meter backstroke in under 1 minute.

Introduction

Natalie Coughlin is an amazing swimmer from the United States! ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Born on August 23, 1982, in Vallejo, California, she started swimming when she was really young! She is famous for her fast swimming style and has a special talent for the backstroke and butterfly strokes. She trained hard and became one of the top swimmers in the world, inspiring kids everywhere to dive into the pool! ๐ŸŠ

โ€โ™€๏ธ Besides her swimming skills, Coughlin is known for her bright personality and her love for helping others!
Read Less

Olympic Achievements

Natalie Coughlin made history at the Olympics! ๐Ÿ†

She competed in three Olympic Games: Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, and London 2012. In Athens, she became the first woman to win six medals in a single Olympics! Her fastest moments came in events like the 100 meters backstroke, where she won gold. In Beijing, she won another five medals and made a splash! ๐ŸŒŠ

She has inspired many young swimmers to achieve their dreams, proving anything is possible with determination!
Read Less

Post-competitive Career

After retiring from competitive swimming, Natalie Coughlin continued to stay active in the swimming world. ๐ŸŒˆ

She has become a successful television personality, appearing on shows like "Dancing with the Stars." She also shares her swimming tips and experiences by working as an analyst and commentator for swimming events. ๐Ÿ“บ

Natalie enjoys inspiring others and loves spreading the joy of swimming to new generations of fans!
Read Less

Early Life And Education

Natalie grew up in a loving family in California. Her parents, Garry and Maria Coughlin, encouraged her to try many sports, but she really loved swimming! ๐Ÿฌ

At just 6 years old, she joined a swim team! Natalie attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she studied psychology and swam for the college team. She was super successful, breaking many records while balancing her studies. ๐Ÿ“š

She graduated in 2005, showing that education is important too!
Read Less

Philanthropy And Advocacy

Natalie Coughlin is not just a talented swimmer; she is also a caring person! ๐Ÿ’–

She supports various charitable organizations and helps to raise awareness about issues like education, health, and sports for children. Coughlin has worked with groups focused on helping young athletes pursue their dreams and live healthier lives. She often speaks to kids about the importance of hard work, dedication, and giving back to the community!
Read Less

Swimming Career Highlights

Natalie Coughlin has had an extraordinary swimming career! ๐ŸŒŸ

She won her first Olympic gold medal at only 21 years old during the 2004 Athens Olympics, impressing everyone with her speed. Throughout her career, she has won a total of 12 Olympic medals (3 gold, 5 silver, and 4 bronze), making her one of the most decorated female Olympians of all time. ๐Ÿฅ‡๐Ÿฅˆ๐Ÿฅ‰ She has also set numerous national and world records, showcasing her incredible talent and hard work in the pool!
Read Less

Personal Life And Interests

Outside of swimming, Natalie Coughlin has many interests! ๐ŸŽจ

She loves cooking and even published a cookbook called "Cook to Thrive." She also enjoys art, painting, and spending time with her family. Natalie believes in staying healthy and often shares healthy recipes and tips with her fans. ๐Ÿฅ—

Family is important to her, and she enjoys sharing fun moments with them away from the pool!
Read Less

Legacy And Impact On Swimming

Natalie Coughlin has left a big mark on the swimming world! ๐ŸŒŠ

She is a role model for many young athletes, showing that hard work pays off. Her amazing records and achievements inspired countless swimmers to dream big. ๐Ÿฅ‡

Coughlin's passion for the sport and her philanthropic efforts are part of her legacy, ensuring that she will always be remembered as one of the greatest swimmers of all time and a fantastic role model!
Read Less

World Championships And Records

Natalie has also shone at the World Championships! ๐ŸŒ

She has won a total of 33 medals, making her one of the most successful swimmers in history. Her excellent performances in the 100 meters and 200 meters backstroke helped her set multiple world records! ๐Ÿ“ˆ

Her achievements at these events have shown that dedication and practice can lead to wonderful success, encouraging kids to always give their best in everything they do!
Read Less

Natalie Coughlin Quiz

Q1
Question 1 of 10
Next

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DIY back?!
How do I reactivate my account?
How do I sign up?
Are the android and iOS apps coming back?
What is DIY?
What is a โ€œChallengeโ€ on DIY?
What is a โ€œCourseโ€ on DIY?
What are โ€œSkillsโ€ on DIY?
What if I'm new to all thisโ€”where do I begin?
Do I need special materials or equipment?
Is DIY safe for kids?
Can I collaborate with other DIYers on a project?
How do Mentors, Mods, and Jr. Mods help us?
What is DIY?
What's the recommended age for DIY?

Our Mission

To create a safe space for kid creators worldwide!

Download on AppStoreDownload on Google Play

2025, URSOR LIMITED. All rights reserved. DIY is in no way affiliated with Minecraftโ„ข, Mojang, Microsoft, Robloxโ„ข or YouTube. LEGOยฎ is a trademark of the LEGOยฎ Group which does not sponsor, endorse or authorize this website or event. Made with love in San Francisco.