Karen Patricia Moe-Thornton ( January 22 1952 ) is a former top swimmer from the United States , which in 1972 won the gold medal in the 200 meter butterfly at the Olympic Games in Munich . Moe was born in the Philippines , but moved at a young age with her ​​parents to Orinda, California . Her swimming career began at the age of eight, as a member of The Orinda Aqua Bears Swim Team , and despite back problems improved Moe in 1970 the world record in the 200 m butterfly of the currently reigning Olympic champion Ada Cook . She repeated that performance under the guidance of coach George Haines three times.