Five time Olympic medalist Allison Schmitt
has been recognized as the SEC's top female athlete.
At the 2012 Olympics in London, Schmitt won three gold medals, one silver medal and one bronze medal. She became the first Georgia swimmer ever to win an individual gold as she claimed the 200-meter freestyle title. Schmitt also anchored the victorious 800-meter freestyle and 400-meter medley relays. She came in second in the 400-meter freestyle and placed third on the 400-meter freestyle relay. With six Olympic medals (including a bronze from the 2008 Games), she ranks first all-time among Georgia swimmers. Following the Games, Schmitt owned one world record and four American records in long-course meters.
The Canton, Mich., native returned for her senior year and helped lead the Lady Bulldogs to the NCAA and SEC titles. She won the NCAA crown in the 200-yard freestyle and helped the 400- and 800-yard freestyle relays notch victories. At the SECs, she picked up titles on the 200-, 400- and 800-yard freestyle relays. Schmitt earned the Honda Sports Award as the nation’s top swimmer. She is attached to one American record and two U.S. Open marks in short-course yards.
Schmitt is the fifth Georgia student-athlete to earn SEC Female Athlete of the Year recognition, joining golfer Vicki Goetze (1992), basketball player Saudia Roundtree (1996), swimmer Kristy Kowal (2000) and gymnast Courtney Kupets (2009).
An honor well deserved. Thanks for coming back Allison and thanks for another great season. Go Dawgs!
