Michael Fitzmaurice, born on November 22, 1945, in Boston, Massachusetts, is a former American competitive swimmer whose career is filled with impressive accomplishments on both the national and international stages. Known for his speed and precision in the pool, Fitzmaurice became one of the top swimmers of his time, with multiple records, national titles, and significant victories that cemented his place in swimming history.
Growing up in Greenwich, Connecticut, Fitzmaurice was a talented athlete, excelling in a variety of sports, including football and baseball. However, it was swimming that eventually captured his focus. While attending St. Mary’s High School, he made history as the first freshman to earn a varsity letter in any sport. This early success foreshadowed a promising career. After transferring to Malvern Preparatory School in Pennsylvania for his senior year, Fitzmaurice became a five-time Prep All-American and set national prep school records in the 100-yard and 200-yard freestyle events in 1964. By the time he graduated, he was ranked as the number two high school 100-yard freestyler in the nation, just behind legendary Olympic swimmer Don Schollander.
Fitzmaurice’s next step was Villanova University, where he continued to excel in the pool. In his freshman year, he set NCAA Freshman Records in both the 200-yard freestyle and the 200-yard individual medley. Throughout his college career, Fitzmaurice earned eight NCAA All-American honors and helped his team set an American record in the 200-meter medley relay. His outstanding performances earned him a place on the 1966 AAU All-American team. The pinnacle of his college career came in 1967 when he competed at the Pan American Games in Winnipeg, Canada. There, he won a gold medal in the 400-meter freestyle relay, setting a Pan American Games record. His swimming prowess also led him to victories at the Eastern Collegiate Championships, where he famously defeated Don Schollander in the 100-yard freestyle.
After graduating, Fitzmaurice’s path took a new direction when he was drafted into the U.S. Army and stationed at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. There, he both coached and continued to compete in swimming. His military service included a standout performance at the 1970 Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM) Games in Barcelona, Spain, where he won a gold medal for the United States.
Even after his competitive swimming career, Fitzmaurice’s connection to the sport remained strong. He entered Masters Swimming, competing in the 30-35 age group and continuing to break records. Over the years, he amassed ten gold medals in national championships—five at the Indoor National Championships and five at the Outdoor Championships. He also set eight National Age Group Records, proving that his competitive spirit was as strong as ever.
Outside of the pool, Fitzmaurice enjoyed a successful career in the apparel industry, holding executive positions with Levi Strauss & Co. and the London Fog Corp. After 30 years in the business, he retired and settled in South Carolina with his wife. Today, Fitzmaurice enjoys spending time with his five children and eight grandchildren, cherishing the moments outside of the competitive world that once defined his life.
Fitzmaurice’s remarkable contributions to swimming, especially his collegiate and international success, earned him a place in the Villanova University Hall of Fame. His achievements, both in and out of the pool, have solidified his legacy as one of swimming’s greats, inspiring future generations of athletes.
