University of Michigan Hall of Honor
- Induction:
- 2023
- Class:
- 2006
Among the most accomplished student-athletes in Michigan history, Peter Vanderkaay won two Olympic gold medals, four total Olympic medals, three World Championships, five NCAA championships and 14 Big Ten Conference titles. A three-time Olympian, Vanderkaay won gold in the 800 freestyle relays at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games while winning bronze medals in the 200 freestyle in 2008 and the 400 freestyle in 2012. He became just the second American-born swimmer to compete in three Olympic Games, and was named co-captain for Team USA for the 2012 Games. As part of a dominant U-M career, the Big Ten's three-time Swimmer of the Year claimed NCAA titles in the 400 free (2004), 500 free (2005 and 2006), the 1500 free (2004) and the 800 freestyle relay (2004) to earn All-America accolades all four years. Winner of an astounding 14 Big Ten championships, Vanderkaay won everything from the 200 freestyle to the 1,650 freestyle competitions while claiming the 500 freestyle all four tries. Also a three-time World University Games medalist, Vanderkaay is the American record-holder in the 500-yard freestyle as well as a current two-time U.S. Open record-holder.
