Gemma Spofforth

Sport: Swimming

Nation: Great Britain

DOB: November 17, 1987

Hometown: Shoreham-by-Sea

Career Highlights: Spofforth finished an agonizing fourth twice at the 2008 Olympics, just missing the medal stand. She set a British record of 59.38 in the 100m backstroke in the final, but it wasn't quite enough, and was also a member of the 4x100 medley relay team that was edged by China for bronze. Spofforth bounced back strong though, winning gold in the 100m backstroke in a world record time of 58.12 at the 2009 world championships. At the University of Florida, she was a five-time NCAA champion and 11-time All-American, as she won three straight NCAA titles in the 200m backstroke, and back-to-back titles in the 100m backstroke. Spofforth plans to swim both the 100m and 200m backstroke in London.

Olympic History: 2008