Summer Sanders Revisits Barcelona, Site of 1992 Olympic Glory

Photo Courtesy: Summer Sanders/Twitter

Summer Sanders was one of the darlings of the pool at the 1992 Olympics, winning the gold medal in the 200 butterfly after missing out on wins in the 200 and 400 individual medleys earlier in the meet. Since then, she’s parlayed that success into a successful broadcast television career, including stints as a correspondent at professional football and basketball games.

This week, Sanders was surprised by husband Erik Schlopy with a trip to Barcelona, her first time in the city since the Olympics. Sanders posted a series of videos recreating the memories of swimming the Piscines Bernat Picornell, including walking out for the 200 fly final.

Yesterday was a Pretty big day for me. I had hinted to my husband for years, saying, "If you want to surprise me and take me someplace…please take me back to Barcelona so I can actually take in the city!" We arrived in Barcelona on Monday afternoon. I had tears in my eyes when we're touching down. It makes sense…the last time I was here, my world was filled with over the top emotion and pressure. I guess this 43 yr old remembers how her 19 yr old self felt in 1992. Yesterday we made it back to Monjuic were the The Olympic Games took place. With every step closer to the pool, I began to remember. "Ah, that's right, our bus drove up a hill to get to the venue," I said to Erik. In 1992, was entirely too focused on the competition to understand the importance of taking in my surroundings. Now, I saw the venues the way my family and friends lived the games. Which was emotional in a whole other way. We had heard the Picornell pool was open to the public, so we came prepared. 12 Euros later, I got to fully relive my moment. Classic!I am going to share a few funny videos from the day.

Posted by Summer Sanders on Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Though not wearing an expensive racing suit, Sanders stepped to the edge of the pool to simulate the start of her 200 fly race, with her husband serving as videographer and starter.

Barcelona video series…The pool isn't heated. We figured it was probably around 60 degrees. But didn't know that until I hit the water! YIKES!

Posted by Summer Sanders on Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Barcelona video series…It's amazing how many of the details are lost from my memory. Most of that day I remember but even now I am thinking it may have been July 31st….and I may have been in lane 6. Oh well, I guess that is what happens 23 years later.

Posted by Summer Sanders on Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Sanders had doubts about whether she was in lane five or six for the 200 fly, but she was in lane five, as shown in the video below:

In addition to her gold medal in the 200 fly, Sanders won silver in the 200 IM, bronze in the 400 IM and was on the 400 medley relay team that swam in the prelims and would win gold for that.

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Tom Pollock

8 years ago

I had the biggest crush on her when I was a age grouper!