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Karen Moe-Thornton

Full name: Karen Patricia Moe-Thornton (-Humphreys)
Gender: Female
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
Weight: 123 lbs (56 kg)
Born: January 22, 1953 in Del Monte, Unknown, Philippines
Affiliations: California Golden Bears, Berkeley (USA)
Country: USA United States
Sport: Swimming

Medals: 1 Gold (1 Total)

Biography

Born in the Philippines but educated at Santa Clara High School and UCLA, Karen Moe set her fourth and final 200m butterfly world record in winning the Olympic title in München. She also competed in the 100m backstroke at the 1972 Olympics, finishing fourth. After marrying Mike Thornton, she made a comeback in 1976 and again made the Olympic team, finishing fourth in the 200m butterfly at Montréal, but with a new American record. Mrs. Thornton served as head coach of the women’s swim team at Cal/Berkeley after her retirement from competition.

Results

Games Age City Sport Event Team NOC Rank Medal
1972 Summer 19 München Swimming Women's 100 metres Backstroke United States USA 4
1972 Summer 19 München Swimming Women's 200 metres Butterfly United States USA 1 Gold WR
1976 Summer 23 Montréal Swimming Women's 200 metres Butterfly United States USA 4

Women's 100 metres Backstroke

Event History
Games Age City Sport Country Phase Unit Rank T
1972 Summer 19 München Swimming United States Final 4 1:06.69
1972 Summer 19 München Swimming United States Semi-Finals Heat One 3 QU 1:06.27
1972 Summer 19 München Swimming United States Round One Heat Five 2 QU 1:07.69

Women's 200 metres Butterfly

Event History
Games Age City Sport Country Phase Unit Rank T
1972 Summer 19 München Swimming United States Final 1 WR 2:15.57
1972 Summer 19 München Swimming United States Round One Heat Four 1 QU 2:18.15
1976 Summer 23 Montréal Swimming United States Final 4 2:12.90
1976 Summer 23 Montréal Swimming United States Round One Heat One 1 QU/OR 2:14.53