Dara Torres
A list of legendary female swimmers isn’t complete without including Dara Torres, a Californian woman whose career spanned five Olympic Games. From 1992 to 2008, she won four golds, four silvers, and four bronzes. Following the trials for the 2012 Olympics, which she failed to qualify for due to injury, Dara announced her retirement.
Dara’s career outside of the swimming pool was no less exciting. She worked on multiple TV networks as a sports announcer and reporter, as well as did modeling work for Sports Illustrated. She was also heavily involved in several charitable organizations, including Swim Across America and the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation.