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Richelle Fox 100 Butterfly 100 Freestyle 50 Freestyle |
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Richelle first finaled at U.S. Nationals at the age of 16, placing third in the 50-meter freestyle in 1990. She followed her breakthrough performance at Nationals in 1990 by winning the 50-meter freestyle at the 1990 U.S. Olympic Festival and placing third in the 100-meter freestyle. She represented the United States at the World University Games in 1993 and the Goodwill Games in 1994. In 1994 she also became a member of the United States National Resident team, headquartered in Colorado Springs. In 1995 she was a member of the United States Pan Pacific Championship team, finishing fourth in the 100-meter butterfly.
In 1996 Richelle became a national champion, winning the 100 butterfly at spring Nationals. Later in the year, she placed eighth in the 100 freestyle at Olympic Trials. In August of 1996 she enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
In 1997 Richelle attended her second of three Pan Pacific Championship meets, winning a gold medal swimming the butterfly leg of the 400 medley relay. This performance was followed by a gold medal in the 400 medley relay and a bronze medal in the 100-meter butterfly at the 1998 Goodwill Games. In 1999 she returned to Pan Pacific Championships, winning a gold medal as a member of the 400-meter freestyle relay. In the spring of 1999 she graduated from UNC.
Perhaps Richelle's most impressive accomplishment has been her longevity in the sport. She has been one of U.S. Swimming's top performers for over ten years, and has been a member of the National Team for five out of the past seven years. The year 2000 will mark her third consecutive appearance at Olympic Trials, an accomplishment that few have matched. Her ability to stay in top form long after most of her peers have retired is due to a fierce work ethic, both in the pool and in the weight room.
In addition to fast swimming, Richelle has used her looks and outgoing personality to become highly marketable. She has recently appeared in feature stories in Mademoiselle and Marie Claire magazines. She is represented by the Premier Management Group, and is sponsored by Speedo, Shaklee, Banana Boat, USA Swimmer.com, and U.S. Swimming's Ultimate Technique and Girl Power Swim Clinics.
Richelle lives in Rye, NY and is married to 1996 Olympic gold medalist David Fox.