Rick DeMont

Rick DeMont, born on April 21, 1956, in San Francisco, California, is a distinguished American former competition swimmer. He is celebrated for his remarkable achievements in the pool, including being a world champion and a former world record-holder in multiple events. DeMont's swimming journey began at a young age, training with the renowned Ann Curtis swim team in Terra Linda, where he set the AAU National record for the 200-yard freestyle at just ten years old.

Despite his triumphs, DeMont's legacy is marked by controversy. He famously placed first in the 400-meter freestyle at the 1972 Summer Olympics, only to be disqualified and stripped of his gold medal due to a positive test for a prohibited substance found in his prescription asthma medication. This incident overshadowed his Olympic success, yet it did not diminish his accomplishments in the sport.

Throughout his career, DeMont earned gold and silver medals at both the World Aquatics and Pan American Championships, solidifying his status as a top-tier swimmer. After retiring from competitive swimming, he transitioned into coaching, dedicating thirty years to the University of Arizona swim team from 1987 to 2017, where he continued to influence and inspire future generations of swimmers.

Growing up as the oldest of four children in a supportive family, DeMont's early life in Mill Valley and later in San Rafael, California, played a significant role in shaping his athletic career. He graduated from Terra Linda High School in 1973, laying the foundation for his future endeavors in swimming and coaching.