The gold medalist is participating in Kiawah’s Swim Across American fundraiser this month
With eight gold medals under her belt, Jenny Thompson remains one of the most decorated Olympic swimmers of all time. After emerging on the international scene at 14 years old during the 1987 Pan American Games, Thompson made her first Olympic appearance at Barcelona in 1992, going on to break multiple world records during the 1996, 2000, and 2004 Summer Games.
Since moving to the Lowcountry in 2018, Thompson has continued to swim competitively with the Palmetto Masters Swim Team and volunteer as an Olympian ambassador with Swim Across America, a nonprofit dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention, and treatment. Outside of the water, she dedicates her time to raising two boys and working as an anesthesiologist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center. In April 2023, Thompson competed in the US Masters Swimming National Championships in California, winning multiple awards in the 50-55 category and solidifying her legacy as one of the fastest female swimmers in her age group. Here, Thompson shares how she’s involved with local swim organizations and her plans for the summer.
CM: Tell us about your experiences with local swimming groups.
JT: When we moved here I was nearing 50. A big part of aging gracefully is exercise, and I knew I could push myself in swimming. I joined the local US Masters team for the motivation of swimming with others and having a coach. I also wanted to compete again, so I signed up for the national championship. It was crazy to be “momming,” working at the VA, baking Christmas cookies, and breaking a world record all in the same weekend.
CM: How did you get involved with Swim Across America?
JT: After Barcelona, I was invited to participate by one of my Stanford teammates. In 2004, my mom was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, so the events took on a whole new meaning for me, being able to feel like I’m contributing to the research that could help cure cancer someday. I hate swimming in open water, but I do it for her and others.
CM: What are you up to this summer?
JT: Our local Swim Across America event is on June 7. It’s an open swim at Kiawah’s Night Heron Park that benefits the Hollings Cancer Center and is a great way to remember loved ones. My older son, Benji, has started swimming with me in honor of his paternal grandmother, who passed away from brain cancer. This year, my husband, Dan, and younger son, Ryder, are also going to participate.
Age: 52
Lives: Daniel Island
Family: Husband, Dan, and sons, Benji and Ryder
Education: Undergraduate degree from Stanford University, medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
Favorite pool: “Bondi Icebergs in Sydney, Australia; it’s a 50-meter pool that fills with ocean water; when you do a flip turn, you hit barnacles.”
