Penelope Heyns

About

Renowned swimmer from South Africa nicknamed "Penny" who is widely regarded as one of the greatest breaststroke swimmers of all time. She won gold medals in the 100 and 200 meter events at the 1996 Olympic Games, becoming the first swimmer ever to do so.

Before Fame

She was the youngest swimmer on the South African team at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.

Trivia

At one point she held five out a possible six world records in the breaststroke, becoming the first person in the history of swimming to accomplish this feat.

Family Life

Her parents were deeply religious and moved from Springs to the Natal South Coast.

Associated With

She succeeded Hungary's Krisztina Egerszegi as World Swimmer of the Year in 1996.