Brooke Bennett

Brooke Bennett is widely recognized as a former competition swimmer and three-time Olympic champion. Her interest in swimming was ignited by her grandfather, who built Bennett a swimming pool and taught her to swim, a mentor she dedicates every race to. Bennett first showcased her potential at the age of 12 when she qualified for her first junior national cut. She went on to win her first gold medal in the 800-meter freestyle at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. She was honored by the U.S. Olympic Committee as the "Sports Woman of the Year." Further notable victories include the Women's 400m freestyle at the Pan American Championships and the Pan Pacific Championships in 1995.

With her skill and tenacity, Bennett added a total of 14 U.S. champion titles to her record, including gold medals in the 400-meter and 800-meter freestyle races at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. An additional highlight of her career includes setting an Olympic record in the 800-meter freestyle at the 2000 Olympics. Bennett's medal record also includes multiple World Championships medals in freestyle events. She swam for the Brandon Blue Wave club during her career and also won the Women's 400m and 800m freestyle at the Pan Pacific Championships in 1997 and 1999, respectively. Despite a failed attempt to make a third Olympic appearance in 2004 due to shoulder injuries, she is recognized as a former American Swimmer of the Year (2000).

After her swimming career, Bennett's achievements were honored by Wheaties, who featured her on the cover of their "Breakfast of Champions" cereal box. Disney also commended Bennett's accomplishments by having her handprints in cement at the Disney/ MGM Studios. Today, Bennett is a child drowning prevention advocate and works as a development manager for Clearwater for Youth, a water safety program that serves the youth of Pinellas County, Florida.