Inside with Brett Hawke #279 The Legend of Madame Butterfly, Mary T. Meagher
Mary T. Meagher (now Plant) is a 3x Olympian (1980/1984/1988), 3x Olympic gold medalist (1984), and Bronze medalist (1988) for the United States of America. Madame Butterfly, as she was affectionately nicknamed, took the 100 (57.9) and 200 Butterfly (2.05.9) events to new heights. Mary's World Records stood for 18 & 19 years, respectively!
Her career wasn't all flowers and frosting, though. After setting those World Records, she spent the next 7 years trying to better them. She missed out on competing in the 1980 Moscow Olympics due to the American boycott. And in 1984, didn't get to compete against the best because the Soviets boycotted back.
Mary swam for the likes of Dennis Pursley, Karen Moe, and Bill Peak. She is married to Mike Plant, Olympic speedskater, Vice President of the Atlanta Braves, and 10-term USOC Board Member.
Enjoy!
00:00 Bratter PA Immigration Law
00:05 Hello Mary T!
01:50 Denis Pursley Quote
03:10 5’8 128 lbs
03:40 Training & Personality
5:05 10th out of 11th children
06:55 How’d you get into swimming?
09:20 2:05.9/57.9
12:50 Bill Peak 1981
14:45 So much better
18:18 Beine Genetic Testing
19:06 Swim Angelfish
19:43 1980 Olympics
21:09 1984 Olympics
22:15 Kids know your history?
23:22 Husband was an Olympian
24:30 Madam Butterfly
27:05 Taking the WR from 209 to 205
28:15 Rivalry with Lisa
29:00 3x800 Butterfly, 12x200 Butterfly, 30x100 Butterfly
30:58 Favorite Type of Set
32:12 Skipping 58 in the 100
34:20 How did you afford training?
35:20 Swimming at Cal with Coach Mo
37:07 Swimnerd Live Results
37:45 Retirement after 88
40:45 Glenn Mills
41:27 ISHOF Induction
42:12 Regrets?
44:15 Husband Mike Plant
45:30 Why no googles?
47:37 Jon Sieben
48:40 Vasa Trainer
49:05 Destro Swim Towers
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