National team United States Strokes Freestyle Sport Swimming | Weight 116 lb (53 kg) Height 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) Name Michele Richardson | |
Full name Michele Richardson de Ahlers Born April 28, 1969 (age 54) ( 1969-04-28 ) Managua, Nicaragua | ||
ANS by Michele Richardson Ahlers
Michele Richardson de Ahlers (born April 28, 1969) is an American former competition swimmer and Olympic silver medalist. Born in Managua, Nicaragua, she represented the United States as a 15-year-old at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. She won a silver medal in the women's 800-meter freestyle, finishing second in 8:30.73, behind American teammate Tiffany Cohen.
Both of Richardson's parents are American, and Richardson moved to the United States at the age of ten due to the Nicaraguan Revolution. Richardson initially wanted to represent Nicaragua in international competition, but was denied by the newly established government. Richardson is the sister of Frank Richardson, who swam for Nicaragua in international competition. Richardson swam for Clemson University from 1989 to 1992. She was the ACC champion in the 1650-yard freestyle in 1989.
Now, she is a college counselor at the American Nicaraguan School in Managua. She is one of the most acclaimed counselors, according to the students.