Inge de Bruijn

Dutch sprinter who set world records in the 50m/100m freestyle and 100m butterfly at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and remained a dominant sprinter through 2004.

In the spring of 2000, at 26 years old, Inge de Bruijn broke seven world records across the 50m and 100m freestyle and butterfly in a matter of weeks, then carried that extraordinary form into the Sydney Olympics where she won three individual golds — one of the most concentrated hot streaks in competitive swimming history. Demotivated, she nearly stepped away from the sport before connecting with coach Paul Bergen in Portland, Oregon, a partnership that transformed her career. In the spring of 2000, at age 26, de Bruijn embarked on one of swimming's most remarkable hot streaks, breaking or equalling seven world records in a matter of weeks across the 50m and 100m freestyle and butterfly. At the Sydney Olympics that September, she won three individual gold medals — the 50m and 100m freestyle and 100m butterfly — setting world records in all three, and added a silver in the relay. Her dominance at an age considered advanced for a sprinter, following the doping scandals of the 1990s, drew scrutiny, though she was never sanctioned. De Bruijn was named World Swimmer of the Year in both 2000 and 2001 and continued winning world titles through the early 2000s, successfully defending her 50m freestyle and butterfly titles at the 2003 World Championships. At the Athens 2004 Olympics, aged 31, she won a fourth individual Olympic gold in the 50m freestyle, along with a silver and two bronzes. De Bruijn is regarded as the most successful athlete in Dutch sporting history, with 11 individual world records and eight Olympic medals across two Games. Her twin sister and younger brother both competed for the Dutch national water polo teams.

Explosive sprint freestyle and butterfly specialist

Regarded as the most successful athlete in Dutch sporting history

• 2000 Olympic gold (50 free, 100 free, 100 fly, all WR), silver (4x100 free relay)
• 2004 Olympic gold (50 free), silver (100 free), 2x bronze