Dara Torres
Dara Torres is breaking down barriers with her astonishing comeback; but she is also breaking down barriers with her frank discussions about eating disorders. In the pool, Dara:
- Has won 9 Olympic Medals, 4 Gold, 4 Silver, and 1 Bronze
- Broke her first world record in 50m freestyle at age 14
- Was Gold Medalist at age 17 in 400m freestyle relay at Olympic Games in L.A. 1984
- Holds the record as the youngest (age 14 in 1984) and oldest (age 40 in 2007) American record holder in the 50m freestyle
- Is one of only two women in history to earn 28 NCAA All-American honors, the greatest number possible in swimming
While success in the pool came early to Dara Torres, breaking her first American Record at 14, the training and weigh-in requirements of collegiate swimming took their toll on her physically and mentally.
Torres suffered for more than 5 years with an eating disorder and did not even speak about it publicly until her comeback in 2000. "Swimming is what saved me - I knew that I had to get healthy if I was going to train for the Olympics." Dara is now the national spokesperson for the Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness. Then Alliance seeks to establish easily accessible programs across the nation that allowchildren and young adults the opportunity to learn about eating disorders and the positive effects of a healthy body image.
Toyota is proud to support Dara Torres not only in her achievements in the pool, but also in her commitment to helping others. Dara & Toyota are both dedicated to make a difference in their community.
Dara Torres is an Engine of Change.
How will you be an Engine of Change?
