Olympic Gold Medalist Hogshead-Makar Honored by Women’s Organization

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Former Duke All-American and Olympic gold medalist Nancy Hogshead-Makar has received the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women’s Member of Distinction Award, as announced by the organization this week at its convention. The biennial award honors a member of Pi Beta Phi who has distinguished herself and who has achieved success and recognition within her profession.

Considered one of the foremost authorities on gender equity in sport, Hogshead-Makar has been heavily involved in Title IX initiatives and enforcement. She currently serves as CEO of Champion Women, a nonprofit leading targeted efforts to advocate for equality, accountability and transparency in sport. Her many initiatives include work as a lawyer, author, professor, public speaker and advocate for women, particularly in athletics.

Hogshead-Makar currently serves on the boards of the Association of Title IX Administrators, the Aspen Institute’s Sport and Society and the World Olympian’s Association. From 2003 to 2012 she was the Co-Chair of the American Bar Association Committee on the Rights of Women. She was also elected to the editorial board of the Journal of Intercollegiate Sport, and Sports Illustrated magazine listed her as one of the most influential people in the history of Title IX. In December of 2014, Hogshead-Makar received a Woman of the Year award from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

During her collegiate career at Duke, Hogshead-Makar captured All-America honors in the 500-yard freestyle, 200 butterfly and 400 IM events. She also won four individual titles at the 1981 ACC Championship in the 500 freestyle, 1,650 freestyle, 200 butterfly and 400 IM. Hogshead-Makar went on to claim three gold medals (100 freestyle, 400 freestyle relay, 400 medley relay) and one silver (200 IM) at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

A 1986 graduate of the university, Hogshead-Makar was inducted into the Duke Athletics Hall of Fame in 1994 and was a keynote speaker at Duke’s 2012 celebration of 40 years of women’s athletics.

“Nancy’s impact on Title IX and women’s equality is truly inspiring,” said Pi Beta Phi President Paula Shepherd. “It is with great pride we honor Nancy’s work and achievements. She makes an amazing role model for young women across the globe.”

Swimming news courtesy of Duke Swimming & Diving.