American swimmer, Olympic gold medalist, former world record-holder, bank execut

Frank McKinney

Frank Edward McKinney Jr.

By globalcelebwiki Editorial Desk, adapted from Wikipedia · Published 29 September 2026

Profession
American swimmer, Olympic gold medalist, former world record-holder, bank execut
Born
3 November 1938
Birthplace
Indianapolis
Nationality
American
Photograph of Frank McKinney
Photo: Harry Pot for Anefo ), 1945-1989 - negatiefstroken zwart/wit, nummer toegang 2.24.01.05, b · CC0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Frank Edward McKinney Jr. (November 3, 1938 – September 11, 1992) was an American competition swimmer, Olympic champion, and world record-holder. He later became a prominent executive in the American banking industry, but died in a mid-air collision of two aircraft.

McKinney was the son of Frank E. McKinney, a former chairman of the Democratic National Committee and a former owner of the National League's Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball.

He was the youngest member of a U.S. national swim team which set a world record in the 4×100-meter medley relay at the 1955 Pan American Games. At the Pan American Games, the 16-year-old high school student also won a gold medal in the 100-meter backstroke.

Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, he did the most to introduce modern backstroke techniques. Following Yoshi Oyakawa as the premier U.S. backstroker, McKinney was the pioneer of the modern bent-arm backstrokers, even as Oyakawa had been the last of the straight-arm school. McKinney was the leader of a remarkable group of teenagers who won the U.S. Nationals for the Indianapolis Athletic Club alongside Mike Troy, Bill Barton, Bill Cass and Alan Somers. Later, they would all swim for the Indiana Hoosiers swimming and diving team under coach Doc Counsilman at Indiana University.

Personal life and education

McKinney earned his B.S. in 1961 and Master of Business Administration in 1962 from Indiana University.

Sources and references

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