Swimming World Swimmers of The Year - World Swimmers of The Year

World Swimmers of The Year

The award was inaugurated in 1964, when Swimming World named Don Schollander as its World Swimmer of the Year. Two years later, a female category was added. The winners were always American until 1970, and the it was not until 1979 that a non-American male won the award. However, from 1973 until 1989, the rise of East Germany's women saw them win a majority of the awards. Following the end of the Cold War, Germany declined following the end of the East's systematic state-sponsored doping program, while Australia's swimming team enjoyed a revival in the late 1990s, winning nine awards since 1997, the most by any country in that period.

United States swimmers have won the title 43 times, followed by Australia (13 times) and East Germany (11 times). This ratio is approximately proportional to the amount of gold medals won by the respective nations at the Olympics. East Germany was particularly successful in the 1970s and 1980s, when they dominated the women's events, aided by systematic state-sponsored doping.

With his win in 2012, Michael Phelps (USA) now holds the overall record with seven titles. He won in 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2012. He is also only person to win the award four straight times. Debbie Meyers of the US, won from 1967–69. Ian Thorpe (AUS) is the second most prolific winner in the category as he was honored four times, in 1998, 1999, 2001 and 2002.

Four female swimmers have won three awards: Debbie Meyer (USA) in 1967, 1968 and 1969, Krisztina Egerszegi (HUN) in 1991, 1992 and 1995, Janet Evans (USA) in 1987, 1989 and 1990, and Kristin Otto (GDR) in 1984, 1986 and 1988. Franziska van Almsick is the youngest female to have won the award, having turned 15 on April 5 in the year of her first award. Thorpe is the youngest male recipient, having turned 16 on October 13 in the year of his first award.