Mike Burton (swimming)
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Mike Burton is an American swimmer who won gold in the 400 m and 1500 m freestyle at the 1968 Olympic Games and in the 1500 m at the 1972 Olympic Games. Burton's repeat in the 1500 free proved a stunning defeat. He had been diagnosed with a vitamin deficiency in the spring of 1972, but barely managed to make finals (qualifying 8th) during the Olympic trials. In finals, he secured the third and final spot for the American team.
At the 1972 Olympics Burton became the only American to ever repeat his 1500 free championship, but his victory celebration was overshadowed by Mark Spitz' record haul of the seven gold medals and seven world records. The celebration was also cut short when, the next day, Arab terrorists stormed the Olympic Village taking several Israeli athletes hostage.
Burton now coaches in Billings, Mont. at the local YMCA. His daughter Loni, embarked on a her own successful swimming career. She is one of just two swimmers in NCAA history to win twelve individual titles. She was able to perform the feat in just three years as Division II swimmers are eligible to participate in four individual events versus three in Division I and III.
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