Lea Loveless

The first major achievement for backstroke specialist Lea Loveless came in 1989, when she won two titles at the Pan Pacific meet. Swimming for Stanford, she qualified for both backstroke events in Barcelona, medalling in the 100 m. She also was the lead-off for the American medley team that won the gold medal. After failing to qualify for both the 1994 World Championships and the 1996 Olympics, Loveless had a strong comeback in 1998, winning the 100 back at the World Championships in Perth as well as the medley relay. In her career, Loveless also won 13 NCAA titles, including 4 individual titles. She married fellow NCAA champion Eric Maurer, and became a swimming coach at her alma mater, Stanford.