Michelle Ford, winning Olympic Gold in the 800m freestyle at the Moscow Games in 1980

Michelle Ford is an Australian former long-distance freestyle and butterfly swimmer of the 1970s and 1980s, who won a gold medal in the 800-metre freestyle, bronze in the 200-metre butterfly and came 4th in the 400-metres freestyle at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow.

Michelle was the only non-Soviet bloc female swimmer to win an individual gold medal at the 1980 games. She also set two world records in her career, and was the first Australian woman to win individual Olympic medals in two distinct specialised strokes.

Michelle grew up in Sans Souci, attended St George Girls’ High School and trained at Kogarah War Memorial Pool at Carss Park with Dick Caine – she’s a local hero.

Read The Athlete’s Voice, by Michelle Ford.

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What others are saying;

“We were the first group of athletes ever invited to present to the IOC. We took our chance to be bold —gender equality, doping, boycotts, professionalism—little did I know then that we were laying the foundations for the creation of the Athletes’ Voice within the Olympic Movement. This is that story.” Michelle Ford.

“The Athletes’ Voice by Michelle Ford offers a significant contribution to Olympic history. A must read.” Anita de Frantz, IOC Member, twice Senior Vice-President and long time Chair of the IOC Women and Sport Commission

“Michelle has written a compelling story of the amazing beginnings of the Athletes’ Voice in the Olympic Movement. It is an important read for all athletes!” Claudia Bokel, Chair, IOC Athletes’ Commission, Member IOC Executive Board, Aug 2012 – Aug 2016