It was just a normal day at the Portrait Shoppe when a sweet lady walked in while I was typing away at the front desk. She mentioned needing headshots taken to go on brochures for a conference she would be speaking at next week. I scheduled her portrait session and asked for a number we could reach her at, etc., when she just ever so modestly handed me her business card that read, "WORLD OLYMPIAN ASSOCIATION," ...
Hmm... I thought, "there's no way," but, sure enough, she was a real-life Olympian! (actually, a two-time Olympian...)
She told me a little bit about herself and answered all of the questions I had for her at the time- after all, I had never met an Olympian before.. let alone a GOLD MEDALIST. She has an amazing Olympic story! She is such an inspirational woman and we truly feel honored she visited us here at Portrait Shoppe. Thanks Micki : )
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| Micki King with her Gold Medal: 1972 |
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| Micki King visiting Portrait Shoppe: 2011 |
Here's a tiny snapshot of Micki King's Olymipic story, courtesy of her personal bio...
Micki King, is the 1972 Springboard Diving Olympic Gold Medalist. King, a retired US Air Force Colonel, served 26 years on active duty. Her second career was Assistant Athletic at the University of Kentucky where she served 14 years.
The gold medal she won in Munich is one of the Olympic Games’ most exciting comeback stories. In the 1968 Olympics at Mexico City, King was leading the competition going into the final three dives. On the second of her remaining dives, a miscalculation caused King to hit the board breaking her left arm. Despite the mishap she gallantly tried her last dive, but dropped from first to fourth. No medal.
During the four long years between the 1968 and 1972 Olympic Games, she did double duty with her Air Force job and her intensive training program. She earned 10 national US diving titles on the way to her second Olympics. It was in Munich, where Micki King captured her gold medal doing the same dive she did with a broken arm four years earlier.
We also had the privilege of interviewing Micki exclusively for you blog readers...
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Pontiac, Michigan and lived there until I left for the University of Michigan where I studied Journalism and Physical Education.
Through out your travels, what is your favorite city?
I’ve been around the world several times over and it’s easier to name places I don’t like, than to pick a single city I like “best.” However, a place that remains special to me over time includes Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the first Olympic Games. This inspiring, historic city is a passionate experience for all visitors, but for Olympians, all of whom are truly connected to the deep history this site holds, it is especially touching.
On the other side of the world, I fell in love with Sydney, Australia during the 2000 Olympic Games. Then there is Shanghai, China (wow) and, I’ll never forget visiting the Principality of Monaco where I met Princess Grace and was invited to a “pool” party in the Royal Garden.
Still, all said, Munich, Germany, where I won my Olympic Gold Medal will always be most special in my heart.
Do you still dive and swim today?
I love a dip in the pool on a hot summer day, but I don’t swim serious laps or dive from a board for fun any more. I’ve discovered it’s easier to remember the good ole days than try to re-live them.
What is your favorite book?
I do love to read, but admit reading takes a back seat when I’m running crazy with several projects at once. However, I’ve discovered audio books and now I “read” more than ever! My all time favorite book is “Hunt for Red October.” I’ve read it, listened to it, and seen the movie many times over.
What is your favorite color?
Chartreuse
What are your hobbies?
I play tennis three or four times a week.
What is your favorite Olympic memory?
Each Olympic medal at the Munich Olympics was engraved on the thin ledge with the winner’s name. I quickly checked this out. My Gold medal was engraved “Nicki” King. They spelled my name wrong! I was escorted to the engraver who spoke very little English. So, I slowly explained … my name is “MIC-ki but my medal says “NIC-ki” and could he change it??
He was clearly upset by his mistake. After a long moment, he lifted his eyes to mine and said in broken English, “much easier for you to change name, than to change medal.” And, it reads Nicki King to this day.
What words of advice do you have for others?
I live by the motto “Make it better for those that follow.” This philosophy has guided me for a long time and it applies to everything I do – big or small – ranging all the way from lobbying Congress for women’s sports and Title IX, to pushing a stray shopping cart from the parking lot back to the store. Opportunities are there everyday for every one of us to simply “…make it better …………”
Thanks again Micki! We can't wait to see you again soon.
~Kallie
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