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Washington Evening Journal
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New London students meet former Olympian
‘92 swimming gold medalist, world record setter, returns to hometown
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
On Friday, Nov. 15, New London students met in the MS/HS gymnasium. It is very likely that most of the student body did not know the person they were about to meet had lived and attended school in New London. In fact, none of the attending students had yet been born when this individual was center stage in world news.
When they entered the gymnasium, standing front and center was Christine Ahmann-Leighton Perham, outstanding Olympic gold medalist. Her medals were won in swimming at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Crissy swam butterfly and freestyle. In the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, she won three medals: Gold in the medley relay, Gold in the 4x100 freestyle relay and Silver in the 100 freestyle. The medley relay set a World Record in the final. Her international titles include the medley relay in the 1991 World Championships and the Pan Pacific Championships. She won a silver at the Pan Pacs in the 100 butterfly. Crissy swam for the University of Arizona and won two NCAA titles in the 100 butterfly.
How did this visit happen? Mr. Shane Barron, NLMS science teacher and sports writer, has known Cris all her life. He was two years ahead of her in school. When he heard that she would be returning to Iowa to be inducted into the Iowa State High School Hall of Fame, he contacted her and asked if she would come by the school. A resounding “yes” was her answer. You will find that Cris has many spelling versions of her name. In her email address she uses Crissy Perham. This reporter knew her as a little girl, Chris, but will try to honor Crissy’s adult preference.
A quick history note. Crissy’s father, Leo Ahmann, came to coach at New London. At the time New London had a swimming pool and a swimming instructor. Crissy was already focused on becoming an Olympic athlete. Although the pool was not Olympic quality, she was able to travel to Burlington High School to practice in their pool. She won at the Iowa State High School Swim meet while swimming with the Muscatine team. The family eventually moved so that Crissy would be competing at an Olympic level.
The assembly began with a video of Crissy’s decision to join the ranks as a Living Donor. She received a shared Facebook post that would change her life once again. D.A. Franklin put out a “Hail Mary” request to find a donor for her husband in end-stage kidney failure. The Franklins were the parents of a fellow Olympian, Missy Franklin. While the Olympic connection did not drive her decision, it did set in motion Crissy’s desire to make a difference. Fortuitously, she turned out to be a match and in August of 1922 she and Dick underwent the surgery that would save his life. Originally Crissy meant to remain anonymous but the swimming connection came out. She decided she could continue working on behalf of the many people waiting for an organ such as a kidney. Live organ donors are increasing thereby helping many return to a normal lifestyle. In an article written about her lifesaving decision, it mentions Crissy’s ability to focus on a goal and pursue it to completion with perfection.
The microphone was then turned over to Crissy. She gave a short talk to the students, where she gave everyone her formula for success. First set a goal. What do you want? How soon? Second determine the steps to achieve the goal. Focus on the success of each step. Third, find a mentor. Everyone needs guidance. Keep expanding your network. Sometimes several mentors are needed.
In addition to offering serious advice to students, she added fun. Mr. Barron certainly looked special when she placed her gold medals around his neck. Crissy was generous with her time and welcoming to each and every student who approached her.
The mood of the student audience began with a welcome and by the time Crissy was done with her words, everything had changed. She was now the school’s SUPERHERO. Everyone was wishing they could go to Marshalltown on Saturday and cheer at her Induction Ceremony at the Iowa High School Girls State Swim Meet.
The assembly ended with a bit of a marathon as each grade level of students had a group photo taken with Crissy. She was then treated to a tour of the district, signing autographs and recalling her own school days in New London. Crissy was generous with her time and welcoming to each and every student who approached her.
