The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Hall of Honor
- Induction:
- 2021
- Class:
- 1983
Clay Britt was one of the Longhorn greats who helped launch the Texas Swimming & Diving dynasty and the legendary coaching career of Eddie Reese. After helping Texas to a Southwest Conference Championship and NCAA runner-up finish in 1980, he went on to lead the Longhorns to their first-ever Swimming & Diving National Championship in 1981. His victory in the 100-yard backstroke, and as a member of the winning 400-medley relay, played a key role in UT claiming the title. In his four years at Texas, the Longhorns won that National Championship, finished second twice and third once, along with winning four-straight SWC Championships. Britt was Texas’ first-ever individual swimming event national champion, winning the 100 backstroke in 1980. He went on to win that event three straight years, joining an elite group of NCAA three-peat winners in the 100 backstroke at the time. A six-time National Champion, three times in the 100-yard backstroke and three times on the 400-medley relay, Britt set an American Record in the 100 back in winning the 1981 national title. His time of 49.08 shattered USA swimming legend John Naber’s American Record of 49.31. On the conference level, he was a seven-time league individual champion, winning the 100 back three-times and the 50 and 200 back twice each. A native of Rockville, Maryland, Britt made history as a prep athlete in a swimming-rich state that recently has produced Michael Phelps and several other Olympians. He lost out on his opportunity to compete for a spot in the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games when the United States elected to boycott the event. After competing at Texas and in the U.S. Olympic Trials in 1984 and 1988, Britt returned to Maryland and has had a successful career as a financial advisor. A 1983 UT graduate with a degree in advertising, he continues to compete to this day, winning events and breaking records in masters swimming events.
