Stanford, 1987
• 1985 Academic All-America® Second Team - Men's At-Large
• 1986 Academic All-America® Honorable Mention - Men's At Large
• 1987 Academic All-America® First Team - Men's At Large
Pablo Morales was inducted into the CoSIDA Academic All-America® Hall of Fame in 2000.
Pablo Morales swam his way to world records, titles and gold medals with dedication and determination. Morales grew up swimming in California and broke Mark Spitz’s record in the 100-yard butterfly at the young age of 16. Morales went on to study at Stanford University, earning the distinction of being named one of the most successful collegiate players ever. Morales decorations include 11 NCAA Championships and three Championship water polo seasons. Morales swam and qualified in the 1984 Olympics, but coming off of his record 11th win of the NCAA championships he did not qualify for the 1988 Olympic games.
Instead of letting himself get discouraged Morales took a hiatus from the pool and pursued a law degree at Cornell University in upstate New York. For the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Morales earned the title “comeback kid,” though he was the oldest member of the team by many years at the age of 27. As team captain he captured gold in the 100 m butterfly, becoming the then-oldest US swimmer to earn an Olympic medal. His shining leadership shone through his trials and successes, and following the 1992 Olympics he was chosen the USOC Sportsman of the Year. In addition to earning medals Morales also broke key world records in the men’s 100 m butterfly in 1984, the same year he was awarded Swimmer of the Year, and again in 1986. Morales also won gold in the Pan-American games, Pan American Pacific Championships and National Championships.
Morales went on to serve as the University of Nebraska swimming coach.