Chris O'Neil (1999) - Texas A&M Athletic Hall of Fame - Texas A&M Athletics

Chris O'Neil

Induction:
1999
Class:
1986

A four-year letterman (1983-1986), Chris O’Neil was the first Aggie athlete to become a four-time All American. O’Neil thrived in NCAA competitions as he placed all four years he competed. After 6th and 11th place finishes in the 100 yard butterfly in 1983 and 1984 respectively, O’Neil placed 2nd in 1985 and 1986. His 1986 time was the second fastest ever recorded in his event at the time. The first place finisher in the event, Pablo Morales, had previously captured Olympic gold in 1984. O’Neil’s SWC performances were equally as impressive as he placed in the top three every year he competed. After three consecutive 3rd place finishes in 1983 and 1984, he captured 1st place in both the 100 and 50 yard butterfly in 1985 and 1986. His performance in the 100-yard competition in 1985 stood as the fastest time until 1995. O’neil was a member of both the 1985 and 1986 United States National team. During this time, he placed second in the 100 meter butterfly at the 1985 European National Championships and 3rd in the 1986 World Championship Trials for the same event. During the 1985 World University Games, he placed 1st in the 400-meter medley relay and 4th in the 100-meter butterfly. The first member named to the 1986 Goodwill Games Team, O’Neil competed for his team in Moscow, placing 1st in the 100-meter butterfly. Chris adds to his list of accomplishments 2 United States Swimming National Championships, winning the 100-meter butterfly in 1986 and the 100-yard butterfly in 1987. O’Neil served as a student assistant under Mel Nash in 1987 and 1988 when he received his bachelors degree in Building Construction from A&M.