Ten Mission Viejo Swimmers And Divers Named Best Of The Century

MISSION VIEJO, CA — Ten swimmers and divers with Mission Viejo roots were listed on the College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association's Top 100 Swimming/Diving Athletes of the Century, the city announced Friday.

The ten athletes listed have ties to the Mission Viejo Nadadores, the city's swimming and diving program that began in the late '70s and drew attention from the nation's athletes. These athletes have several records, medals and accolades — and all ten of them started or competed in Mission Viejo throughout their career.

Here is a full list of the swimmers and divers, all Olympic greats:

• Megan Neyer (1980, Diver)
• Linda Jezak (1976, Swimmer)
• Valerie Lee (1975 World Championship)
• Mary Beth Linzmeier (1980, Swimmer)
• Mary T. Meagher (1980, 1984, 1988, Swimmer)
• Dana Torres (1984, 1988, 1992, 200, 2008 Swimmer)
• Tami Bruce (1988)
• Brian Goodell (1976, 1980, Swimmer)
• Tom Shields (2016, 2020, Swimmer)
• Artur Wodjat (1988, 1992, Swimmer)

According to the city, Mission Viejo is known world-wide as the mecca of aquatic sports, so it's no surprise that the swimmers and divers who trained in the community moved on to institutions of higher education to make their mark in the college ranks.