5 Super Athletes With Ties To Elgin

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Elgin area, these values have shaped some truly remarkable athletes from different eras, whose accomplishments continue to inspire.

Patch has teamed up with T-Mobile to spotlight five standout athletes whose achievements have left a lasting mark on our community. While this list is just a snapshot, there are countless others who have helped shape the rich sports culture in our area.

1. Brian Oldfield (Track And Field)

A pioneering shot putter, Brian Oldfield from Elgin revolutionized the sport with his rotational throw technique, setting a world record of 75 feet in 1975. Known for his charisma and unmatched athleticism, he excelled in events like the 100-yard dash, which he could run in 10 seconds, and the high jump. Oldfield's larger-than-life personality made him a natural fit for television, where he appeared on shows like The Tonight Show, competed in The World’s Strongest Man and Superstars and even sparred with Muhammad Ali. He also participated in the global Highland Games and continued to coach aspiring athletes throughout his life.

2. Bethany “Bet” Joan Goldsmith (Baseball)

Beth Goldsmith, a pitcher from Elgin, played in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League from 1948 to 1950. Known for her strong arm and competitive spirit, she posted a career ERA of 2.72 and participated in a historic Central American tour. After retiring from baseball, Goldsmith worked at AT&T for 30 years and was honored in the Baseball Hall of Fame's Women in Baseball exhibit, located in Cooperstown, New York.

3. David Otunga (Wrestling)

David Otunga, a WWE wrestler and commentator from Elgin, showcased his athleticism and charisma in the ring as a member of The Nexus, winning two Tag Team Championships during his career. A standout athlete at Larkin High School, he later combined his physical prowess with a sharp legal mind, earning a degree from Harvard Law. Beyond wrestling, Otunga reached the final three on the reality show I Love New York 2 and appeared in films such as The Call.

4. Christina Dieterle (Swimming)

Elgin’s Christina Dieterle is a standout swimmer who excelled at Larkin High School, where she won conference championships and placed in the top 10 at IHSA state meets. She went on to shine at the University of Iowa, setting multiple event records, earning All-American Honorable Mentions and being named Most Valuable Swimmer. Dieterle capped her career by competing in the 1988 Olympic Trials in the 200-meter breaststroke and receiving the Lou Ginsberg Humanitarian Award, reflecting her excellence both in athletics and character.

5. Rick Short (Baseball)

Born in Elgin, Rick Short made his mark in baseball with an impressive career spanning college, the minors and the MLB. A South Elgin High School graduate, he excelled at Western Illinois University, earning All-Conference honors and setting multiple records. Short later won batting titles in the Carolina League and Triple-A, debuted with the Washington Nationals in 2005 and played professionally in Japan. Today, he mentors young athletes as a scout for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.