Michael Francis Troy (October 3, 1940 – August 3, 2019) was an American competitive
swimmer, a two-time
Olympic champion, and world record-holder in three events.[1]
Troy broke the world record in the 200-meter butterfly six consecutive times before it was taken over by fellow American swimmer
Carl Robie in 1961. In 1971 he was inducted into the
International Swimming Hall of Fame.[2]
After college, Troy entered active duty with the
United States Navy on February 15, 1964, and completed Officer Candidate School. Troy was commissioned as an Ensign and volunteered for Underwater Demolition Training, now known as
Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training. After months of grueling training, Troy graduated with BUD/S class 33 in December 1964. Troy received assignment to Underwater Demolition Team ELEVEN (UDT-11) and later deployed with his team to
South Vietnam in 1966. He was recommended for the numerous awards for his combat service during the
Vietnam War.[3] Troy resigned from active duty on February 28, 1969.
After leaving military service Troy settled in the
San Diego area where he worked as a real estate agent and swimming coach.[1] His trainees included
Mike Stamm.[2] At the time of his death in 2019 Troy was co-owner of the Gold Medal Swim School in
Chandler, Arizona, with two time Olympic coach Mike Walker.[4] Troy served as Chairman of the International Section of the Olympic Committee and Vice President of the American Swimming Coaches Association. Troy was the National Director of the USA Paralympic Swimming Team. He accompanied the team to Athens, Greece in September 2004 where the U.S. Paralympic team won numerous medals.[5]
Troy died on August 3, 2019, in
Arizona at the age of 78.[6]