Deborah Babashoff

Who is Deborah Babashoff?

Deborah "Debbie" Babashoff is an American former swimmer who won a bronze medal in the 800 m freestyle event at the 1986 World Aquatics Championships. Next year she won a silver medal at the 1987 Pan American Games in the same event, and in 1989 a national title in the 1500 m freestyle.

Debbie was born to Vera and Jack Babashoff in Whittier, California. Her father had been a swimming instructor in Hawaii and always wanted his own children to become Olympians. Both of her parents is a second-generation Russian American. Her elder sister Shirley and elder brothers Jack, Jr., and Bill are also former swimmers who competed at the international level.