About Schmitt

Allison Schmitt is an up-and-coming mid-distance freestyler soon to be reckoned with. A 2008 Olympic bronze medalist, Schmitt splashed to an incredible post-Olympic 2009, earning an NCAA title in the 500 yard freestyle. At the 2009 World Championships, she built on her NCAA success by scoring a silver medal in the 200m freestyle.  She now lives and trains at the University of Georgia.

From Michigan to Beijing

Schmitt grew up in Michigan and, prior to the 2008 Olympic Trials, trained at the University of Michigan under coach Bob Bowman. The experience of training with some of the nation’s elite swimmers prepared her for success at her first-ever Olympic Trials. She came into the event as a relative unknown, and then qualified for the Olympic Team as member of the 800m freestyle relay. In Beijing, Schmitt helped the relay team earn a bronze medal, her first Olympic medal in her first Olympic Games.

Athens Calling

After the Beijing Olympics, Schmitt traded in cold Midwestern winters for the mild climate of the University of Georgia. There, she continued to train post-Olympics as a freshman. The move proved to be successful. She was voted SEC Female Freshman of the Year and at the 2009 NCAA Championships, Schmitt was victorious in the 500yd freestyle. She then earned a national championship in the 400m freestyle and a trip to the 2009 World Championships. It seems like Schmitt has found a training atmosphere that works.

Silver Girl

With two national championships under her belt, Schmitt ventured to Rome with confidence. At the 2009 World Championships she proved that she is the new face in U.S. mid-distance freestyle. She scored an individual silver medal in the 200m free, and followed that up with a silver medal performance in the 800m free relay. Not bad for a girl who hadn’t even hit her 20th birthday, and quite the leap for someone who only two years prior was 27th in the world in the 200m.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, Schmitt continues to live and train in Georgia under coach Jack Bauerle. Since bursting onto the scene in 2008, Schmitt has established herself as a permanent international fixture – but she’s got bigger things in store. Another NCAA Championship? An individual Olympic gold medal? With Schmitt’s recent trajectory, the sky is the limit.

1 Olympic Medal (bronze)
2008 Olympics (Beijing)
BRONZE
800m Freestyle Relay

2 World Medals (2 silver)
2009 World Championships (Rome)
SILVER
200m Freestyle
800m Freestyle Relay