Smith, Michelle

1969 – She was born on the 16th day of December this year in Rathcoole County Dublin.

1992 – Her first major championship was competing in the 200 m medley and backstroke and 400 m medley in this year Summer Olympics in Barcelona.

1993 – She came under the wing of Erik de Bruin, Dutch shot and discus record holder, whom she had met in Barcelona.

1994 - With new training techniques she finished fifth in the 200m butterfly at this year World Championships.

1995 – She set Irish records in 50 m, 100 m, 400 m and 800 m freestyle, 100 m backstroke, 100 m and 200 m butterfly, and 200 m and 400 m medley events.

1996 – She was a controversial triple gold medallist at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, for the 400 m individual medley, 400 m freestyle and 200 m individual medley.

1999 – She returned to university, graduating from University College Dublin with a degree in law.

2005 – In July of this year, she was conferred with the degree of Barrister at Law of King's Inns, Dublin.