Lilly King’s swimming career is marked by her dominance in breaststroke events on the national and international stages. After her early success in high school, she went on to swim for Indiana University, where she became one of the most decorated swimmers in the program’s history.
Collegiate Career: Lilly attended Indiana University from 2015 to 2019, where she made an immediate impact on the college swimming scene. During her time there, she won multiple NCAA championships, particularly in the 100-yard and 200-yard breaststroke events. Her fierce competitiveness and strong personality were evident as she broke NCAA records and established herself as one of the top collegiate swimmers in the country.
2016 Rio Olympics: Lilly King’s breakthrough on the international stage came during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. At just 19 years old, she won two gold medals—one in the 100-meter breaststroke and another as part of the U.S. women’s 4×100-meter medley relay team. In the 100-meter breaststroke, she famously defeated Russian swimmer Yuliya Efimova, making headlines not just for her performance but also for her outspoken stance against doping, which added a layer of drama to the competition.
World Championships: Following her Olympic success, Lilly King continued to dominate the international scene. She competed in the FINA World Championships in 2017 and 2019, winning multiple gold medals and setting world records in the 50-meter and 100-meter breaststroke events. Her performances solidified her status as the best breaststroker in the world.
2020 Tokyo Olympics: At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), Lilly King continued to demonstrate her prowess. She earned a bronze medal in the 100-meter breaststroke and a silver medal in the 200-meter breaststroke, showcasing her versatility and resilience. women’s 4×100-meter medley relay team.
Recent Years: Lilly King has remained a dominant force in breaststroke events, continuing to compete in national and international competitions. She is known for her consistency, strong work ethic, and leadership within the U.S. swimming team. King has also been an advocate for clean sport and has used her platform to speak out against doping in athletics.
Throughout her career, Lilly King has been celebrated not only for her athletic achievements but also for her bold personality and outspoken nature. She is seen as a role model for young athletes, especially those in swimming, and has inspired many with her determination, confidence, and commitment to excellence.