"Christine Magnuson dazzled the local, national and international media, and members of the International Olympic Committee during the IOC Evaluation Commission visit to Chicago. A regular on the Eric and Kathy Show on WTMX-FM 101.9, "The Mix," Magnuson talked about her Olympic experience and the IOC EC visit, as well as her role as a Chicago 2016 athlete ambassador. Then she joined fellow Olympians at a dinner in preparation for her role on April 5 when she served as one of the Olympian medalist "Venue Hosts" to promote plans for the Olympic Village for Chicago in 2016."
"Christine Magnuson visited our elementary school this past fall. Christine certainly epitomized the spirit of the Olympics. She was a most gracious guest. Her smile and warmth radiated throughout the school. No adult or child who approached her was turned away without that smile and a hug and in some instances an autograph. She shared her medal with all of us here at St. George School. She told the children about her journey to the Olympics. She inspired many of them with her story. No visitor here has ever reached the students as she did. She is a role model for all young people."
"Christine Magnuson returned to her alma mater for Andrew High School's Homecoming this fall. Her visits with our student-swimmers, at an all-school assembly and with the community were truly inspiring. Christine's passion for excellence both in and out of the pool shined through as she signed autographs, took pictures and shared her Silver Medals. We are so proud to have inducted her into the High School District 230 Legacy Hall that celebrates our alumni who have achieved great success. From her days swimming in the school's pool to the Olympic medal podium and back home to Tinley Park for a parade in her honor, Christine has been true example of the Olympic Spirit! We are proud to call her one of our own!"
2010 Pan Pacific Silver Medalist in 100m Butterfly and Bronze Medalist in 50m Butterfly
2009 SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year
2-time Olympic Medalist (Silver: 100m butterfly, 4x100m medley relay)
2008 NCAA National Champion (100y butterfly)
2008 SEC Women's Swimmer of the Year
23-time NCAA All-American
SEC Academic All-American
Boys and Girls Clubs of America
Relay for Life
Student Athlete Advisory Committee
Born On: October 17, 1985
Hometown: Tinley Park, Illinois
Resides: Tucson, AZ
Education: University of Tennessee '09- Exercise Science
Height: 6' 1
The sport of swimming had some competition before it gained Olympic double-medalist Christine Magnuson’s full attention. A fierce competitor with a love for athletics, Magnuson wanted to participate in as many sports as possible, but a rule set by her parents limited her to one at a time. A rotation between basketball, volleyball and swimming kept her busy year round in her youth.
Now, Magnuson still dedicates her entire year to athletics, but she is focused on one sport, swimming. The daughter of a swim coach and in the pool since she was three, Magnuson turned her dedication to the sport into international success. Having found her niche, Magnuson took silver medals in both the 100-meter fly and the 4x100 medley relay at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Magnuson burst onto the scene by winning the 2008 NCAA National Championship in the 100-yard fly. Just months later the Tennessee Volunteer would win the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials in the 100-meter butterfly, with a late push in the final 50-meters to beat out 2004 Olympic medalist Rachel Komisarz. Setting an Olympic Trials meet record and posting the third fastest time in the world and seventh fastest time in history, Magnuson won the preliminaries, semifinals and finals.
VOLUNTEER LEADER
A captain for the University of Tennessee swim team, Magnuson’s work ethic and leadership were legendary. While a specialist in the fly and freestyle, she was known for her ability to swim strong in every event.
In a sport made up of individual components, Magnuson developed best in a team atmosphere. Willing to help the team in any way, she would compete in as many relays as possible. Her dedication to the program helped elevate the swim team to new heights. When she arrived as a freshman, the school was ranked 24th in the nation, she left the Volunteers as one of the most illustrious swimmers in school history, on a top-10 squad.
In her collegiate career, Magnuson earned 23 All-American honors while being named the 2008 SEC Women’s Swimmer of the Year and posting eight school records. Magnuson puts equal effort into her studies as she does her training, earning SEC All-Academic honors and the honor of 2008 SEC Co-Scholar Athlete of the Year.
Christine recently completed her degree in Exercise Science at Tennessee. While continuing her competitive swimming, she helps run swim camps, works with companies to help drive media and revenue and makes numerous media appearances across the country.
While at Tennessee she was active in the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. Her role in the SAAC led her to participate in numerous community service programs, including: Relay for Life, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, student voting initiatives and numerous other events.
Magnuson was raised in Tinley Park, Illinois and is a two-time individual state champion in swimming. She is passionate about supporting the city of Chicago in their candidacy for the 2016 Olympic Games.
