Allison Schmitt

Allison Schmitt was born in Pittsburgh, Pa and raised in Canton, MI. She began swimming at the age of 9 and joined the Ann Arbor Swim Club at the age of 11. Her high school swimming career was decorated, including a trip to the 2007 Junior National Meet. Allison graduated from the University of Georgia, where she is still listed as one of the top ten contenders 17 times over 7 events.

She also has gold medals in various events from the World Championships, Pan Pacific Championship, Pan American Games, Olympic trials, U.S. Nationals, and the NCAA. Allison competed and medaled in the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games. Before swimming, she was involved in soccer, dance, basketball, volleyball, and softball, so she has always been an athlete. She decided to focus on swimming after she did not make the travel soccer team she wanted to be on. Swimming was a ‘no cut’ sport!

Allison has four siblings, all with significant accomplishments in and out of sports, and her parents ensured that milk was always on the table. Her mom also says about Allison and her siblings: “I have no doubt that a large part of all my kids being taller than me is thanks to the gallons and gallons of milk they’ve drank throughout their lives!” Allison’s own words of wisdom are: “Chocolate milk and laughing… the two best forms of recovery.”

“Who knew something that tastes so good would be so good for you.”

Allison has also been very candid about her struggle with depression and the importance of mental health in everyone, especially athletes. While she has not shared her post 2016 Olympic plans, she has shared that her passion is continuing her education so she can help others.