Tom Jager coached the University of Idaho women’s swim team from 2004 to 2011. In May of 2011 he accepted the heading coaching position at Washington State University.
Of course we know Tom Jager as the sprint king and dash for cash pioneer. A five time Olympic champion and former world record holder, Jager made his mark in swimming back in the 1980s and early 1990s, setting the world record six different times in the 50 freestyle. Jager was ahead of his time, and his last world mark stood for over ten years, 1989 to 2000, before it was broken. Jager is a seven time Olympic medalist, and although he was dominant in the sprint freestyle, he did not win gold in his favorite event. At the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea, he lost to his friend and number competitor, Matt Biondi.
Jager’s contribution to the sport continues to this day as a swim coach, but here’s how we remember him best:
Tom Jager, Olympic Champion and Swim Coach at Washington State University
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Every professional swimmer that makes money today owes a debt of gratitude to Tom Jager and Matt Biondi for being pioneers in paying swimmers!