Craig Oppel

Craig Oppel was part of the 1988 U.S. Olympic team where he helped his 4x200 Freestyle relay team to win Gold. In the years leading up to his Olympic debut in Seoul, Craig was known in the swimming world for his incredible six-beat kick, and red hair.  Oppel was part of the US Pan Pacific team from 1985-1987. During this time he placed second in the 100 Freestyle twice, and won the 200 Freestyle in 1987 setting the Australian Open and Meet Record.  This would prove to be his specialty as he went on to be crowned the National Champion in the same event that year.  Craig did not focus entirely on the individual events, however.  During this time period he was part of the winning Pan Pacific US 4x200 Freestyle  relay twice, as well as a member of the 4x100 Freestyle Relay.  In 1986 he was also part of the victorious 4x100 Medley Relay at the World Championships.  His ability to succeed as a team player in relays proved to be good practice for his Olympic victory in 1988.Craig now lives in Eastern Iowa where he is an attorney. He takes part in SAA's Chicago - Lake Michigan event. When asked why he has joined the Swim Across America team Craig says, "Cancer took my high school swim coach. Another friend of mine was told she might have cancer, and her fear and the knowledge that I could do nothing to help was excruciating. I swim to help friends live longer and prevent others from having the anxiety of waiting a final, possibly life altering, diagnosis. I swim so that my sister, a career long, cancer researcher can have more funding to beat this disease." Just like when he was a competitive swimmer, Craig continues to be a team player.